2020 Settlement Poplars Vineyard Chardonnay New Zealand

Four wines from four vineyards: a simple idea but expressed in a place where terroir is often obscured. These micro-terroirs have always played a starring role for winemaker Steve Planthaber, who created Settlement in the Wairau and Southern Valleys of Marlborough in 2019. Having studied wine production for over a dozen years at Cloudy Bay, Steve has a profound knowledge and respect for the region which shows in the precision of his product.

Settlement shows how diverse and intense Marlborough can be, especially considering Steve’s hands-off approach in the cellar. Cool temperatures before fermentation provide consistently elegant aromatics, and oak usage is reserved for only his two Burgundian varietals. The results are powerful examples of how remarkable an area New Zealand is and how illuminating its vine growing capacity can be. Converting his vineyards to organic agriculture, the wines show typicity for New Zealand, while displaying nervy textures, rippling acidities, and pulsating layers of flavor.

Aging: 12 months on lees. 15% new oak was used

Rich and savory, this an intriguing chardonnay offering both ripe fruit and tight minerality with a persistent, long finish.

An impressive, polished, complex nose that leaps from the glass. Bursting with appealing grapefruit and peach aromas with complex notes of toasted sourdough, popcorn and white pepper lees influence. The most impressive thing about this wine is the poise, balance and restraint on the palate. It's tasty and concentrated but with a very fine texture and vivacious, saline acidity. A delicious, compelling, even contemplative wine that gives enjoyment right until the last drop. ~96 New Zealand Wine Rater

A vibrant and energetic chardonnay with aromas of poached pears, lemons, roasted almonds, rosemary and flint. It's medium- to full-bodied with excellent energy and focus. Spicy and fragrant edge. From organically grown grapes. Drink now. Screw cap. ~92 James Suckling

Tight and focused with that struck-match, buttered toast and nut reduction that some love and others run from, this opens—after some aeration in glass—to reveal more tropical- and stone-fruit aromas. There's creamy a texture and a crunch of orange-peel acidity on the slightly austere palate. This is a bottling that could very well blossom with another few years of age. ~90 Wine Enthusiast

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