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Jeremy McKenzie
Having Isabel Estate’s Wild Barrique Chardonnay 2022 named Wine of the Year at the London Wine Competition shows what Marlborough is capable of, says winemaker Jeremy McKenzie.
“We all know that New Zealand produces globally acclaimed Sauvignon Blanc, but Chardonnay is probably the country’s best kept secret and Wild Barrique is certainly testament to that.”
The London Wine Competition rewards wines based on quality, value and packaging, in recognition of three key factors that influence consumer buying decisions.
Jeremy received the news amid harvest, while busy “banking” the 2025 Wild Barrique Chardonnay, “which we believe has the bones to be another top wine in the future”.
He says the wine has performed incredibly with consumers and critics since its first vintage in 2016.
"It’s one of those wines that continues to capture attention with its complexity, concentration and length.”
The 2022 vintage was also awarded Champion Wine at the National Wine Awards of Aotearoa New Zealand in 2023, where Jeremy was named Winemaker of the Show.
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