Settlement, 'Poplars Vineyard Chardonnay', 2023, Marlborough (GI)

'One-Liner'
Rich but beautifully controlled Marlborough Chardonnay – ripe peach, citrus and toasted nuts with smoky oak, creamy texture and a bright mineral edge.

Tasting Note
Bright golden yellow in the glass, with aromas of ripe peach, grapefruit and lemon layered with roasted nuts, oatmeal and a subtle smoky note. The palate is broad and textured, with generous stone fruit balanced by lively citrus acidity and a fine mineral streak. Wild fermentation and extended lees ageing bring creaminess and savoury complexity, while the oak remains beautifully integrated rather than dominating the fruit. Hints of toasted almond, spice and flint build through the middle. Long and energetic on the finish, with peach, citrus and smoky minerality lingering behind.

Country: New Zealand
Region: Marlborough GI
Sub-Region: Brancott Valley
Grape(s): 100% Chardonnay
ABV: 14%
Friendly: Organic

Awards & Critics' Scores
Cameron Douglas MS – 94/100
James Suckling – 92/100
Erin Larkin, Wine Advocate – 91/100

The Story
Poplars Vineyard sits at the mouth of the Brancott Valley, on free-draining alluvial soils over a complex clay subsoil. Planted in 1992 entirely to Mendoza-clone Chardonnay, the site enjoys relatively low rainfall and requires very little irrigation, helping the mature vines produce concentrated fruit with a naturally flinty, mineral character. The vineyard began conversion to organic farming in 2009 and achieved full certification in 2012. For the 2023, Settlement hand picked and whole-bunch pressed the fruit before wild fermentation in barrel, followed by twelve months on the lees with just 15% new oak and a further six months in stainless steel. It is a serious, site-driven Chardonnay that combines Marlborough freshness with the texture and savoury complexity normally associated with far more elaborate winemaking.

Perfect With... (click me for the recipe)
- Meat/fish: Roast Chicken with Thyme, Garlic and Crispy Potatoes
- Vegetarian: Roast cauliflower with tahini, lemon and toasted cumin
- Vegan: Roast squash, sage and hazelnut galette with spiced apple chutney