Isabel Estate Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc / 2024 / 750mL

The Isabel Estate Single Vineyard Pinot Gris 2024 is a dry, textural white from Marlborough that leans towards orchard fruit and spice rather than sweetness. It has weight through the middle without losing the clarity Marlborough gives its whites.

Nashi pear, poached quince and a squeeze of lemon lead the aromatics, with a faint ginger-and-honeysuckle lift sitting behind them. The fruit on the nose is ripe but restrained, more fresh pear than tropical.

The palate carries that pear through with a slippery, almost waxy texture, then firms up as fine acidity draws things back into line. Flavours of baked apple and white nectarine sit against a gentle bitter-almond edge, and the finish is dry, savoury and longer than you expect from the variety.

Pour the Marlborough Pinot Gris alongside roast pork belly with apple, a bowl of mussels in cream and leek, prosciutto and melon, or a vegetable tart with plenty of thyme. It also handles mild Thai and Vietnamese dishes where chilli is present but not dominant.

Drink the 2024 now through to around 2029. It is open and generous already, though another year in the cellar will let the texture settle and the spice notes come forward. Serve it cool rather than cold, closer to 10°C, so the texture has room to show.