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Isabel Pinot Noir

Year

2008
Varietal

Pinot Noir
Style

Smooth
Origin

New Zealand
Pairing

Poultry
$23.00 per bottle
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Origin
Located on the northeast corner of the South Island, Marlborough is one of New Zealand’s sunniest and driest areas. Shallow, stony, low-fertility soils reduce vigor, decrease yields and produce lively, aromatic wines. Since the mid-1980’s, the region has been celebrated for its consistently outstanding Sauvignon Blanc. Despite disappointing early efforts, Pinot Noir has now—thanks to better clones and drastically improved viticulture and winemaking—emerged as Marlborough’s most exciting grape variety.
Pairings
Pinot Noir, in general, and New World Pinot Noir in particular, is a remarkably versatile food wine, capable of accompanying a wide range of ingredients, preparations and cooking methods. This mature offering from the 2008 vintage promises to stand up well to poultry and lighter red meats, while also not overwhelming many seafood and vegetarian dishes. Because of its inherent delicacy, however, it is best to shy away from dishes that are too powerful or aggressively spiced. Simple and subtle preparations that let the wine shine are highly recommended.

Serve at very cool room temperature (60°F).
Winemaker
In 1982, Michael Tiller, a retired airline pilot, and his wife, Robyn, established Isabel Estate Vineyard, which is named in honor of Michael’s late mother. For over a decade, they sold grapes to some of Marlborough’s leading wine producers. But, in 1994, encouraged by the quality of their fruit and the profound successes of their neighbors, the Tillers decided to produce and market their own wines under the Isabel label. Patricia Miranda, a native of Chile’s Maipo Valley, is currently their winemaker. She brings considerable experience from many of the world’s greatest wine regions, including Washington’s Yakima Valley; Sancerre, France; and Germany’s Mosel region.
The Wine
A couple of thoughtful sniffs reveal nicely perfumed aromas of black cherry, pomegranate, underbrush, Valencia orange rind and a background floral note reminiscent of rosemary blossoms. Savory on the palate with well-focused notes of red cherry, dried cranberry, candied pomegranate and conifer, this wine delivers surprising flavor impact while finishing with light, well-balanced tannins. At the peak of maturity, it is ready to drink. Made from grapes planted on land that was once thought too hard, too dry and too cruelly infertile to sustain viticulture, this wine proves maxims that none of us really want to believe: Less is more, and suffering builds character.

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