Winery notes (2020 Vintage)
"Mixed citrus fruit is complemented by attractive hints of pip and stone-fruit. A complex underlying richness is kept in check by the wines balance and freshness.
Planted in 1992, the Chardonnay vines, made up of 100% Mendoza, sit on free draining alluvium over a complex clay profile. Requiring little to no irrigation except in the very driest of seasons. Poplars Vineyard receives relatively low rainfall compared to the northern side of the nearby Wairau Valley. A certified organic vineyard since 2012, the resulting fruit from this site shows great vibrancy and intensity with flinty, mineral undertones, and a creamy textured finish. The 2020 vintage was one of the best the Marlborough region has seen with a warm growing season and minimal rainfall."
Rated Excellent & 93/100 Cameron Douglas MS, March 2022 (2020 Vintage)
"A lovely generous bouquet of stone fruits and baking spices of oak, nectarine and apple, vanilla with a lifted clove note. Fragrant, enticing and classic. Equally generous on the palate with a decent weight and concentration of flavours that reflect the bouquet – tree and stone fruits, lemon then oak textures with a fine tannin and baking spice flavours, some barrel toastiness and fine lees. Balanced, well made, classic and ready to drink from late 2022 through 2028."
Joelle Thomson, drinksbiz Magazine, April/May 2024 (2022 Vintage)
"The Settlement Vineyard is one of the largest sites in Marlborough and home to a range of grapes, including the Chardonnay that makes this outstanding wine. Rich and fresh in taste with a superb balance of body, and citrus flavour (grapefruit and lemon curd) captured in a creamy, textured dry wine. Delicious and certified organic."
Reviews for the 2019 vintage below…
19/20 John Saker, February 2021 (2019 Vintage)
"Fine flinty reduction, lemon zest… ooh that’s good… lovely line… fine juicy acidity… lemon meringue, touch of chive, almond… fine acidity and fine flinty line is beautifully done… finishes with lovely fresh, lifted fruit… that is a very smart style…oak well-handled… juicy, refreshing.. gorgeous… persistent – great length.. An excellent example of just how refined Marlborough chardonnay can be."