Poppies
Martinborough Estate Chardonnay 2023 750ml

Sam Kim: Wine Orbit

96/100

Restrained and poised, the wine shows delicate aromas of white flesh nectarine, lemon pith and oatmeal with a hint of nougat. The palate is brilliantly focused and linear with exceptional concentration and depth. The wine exhibits wonderful presence and tension in the mouth, gorgeously supported by racy acidity, finishing impressively long and engaging.

At its best: 2027 to 2038.

The true intention of Poppies Martinborough is to never make fashionable wines. Chardonnay is the most unfashionable; more a true classic from the profound nutty buttery and oak-dominated, to the more refined and delicate Chablis minerally styles. Chardonnay is the wise lady, the Helen Clark of structure and resilience.

You want discussion - be careful - this will create debate. A staunch chardonnay fan can never be removed from the conversation. Chardonnay will always dominate.

We prefer the minerality to be expressed with subtle oak used to cradle the steely fruit, the wine style best suited to our cool climate and deep alluvial gravel soils. Early in youth, the wines can be awkward and separated, however, time will bind fruit, oak and minerality to create layers and lingering rich flinty flavours.