Settlement Poplars Chardonnay 2019

Founded by Steve Planthaber, originally from Adelaide but post school left for the South Island of New Zealand. A move to Marlborough with his partner Kirsty Sutherland cemented his love for all things wine. Hard not to be inspired when meeting the Sutherland’s who were one of the pioneers of viticulture in the region, part of the original success of Cloudy Bay followed by establishing their own estate Dog Point. Steve was keen to find his own path and after 12 years running the production and operations at Cloudy Bay decided to begin his own wine brand, Settlement.

Settlement, named after the stunning Amphitheatre single vineyard site in the Omaka Valley, is dedicated entirely to the production of organic, old vine single vineyard expressions of very special sites in Marlborough. 

Poplars vineyard is further south in the Brancott Valley, just next to the famous Section 94 vineyard. Named after trees surrounding the site the vines were planted in 1992, Mendoza clone (now 28 years old). Alluvium soils over a clay subsoil as opposed to the river rock/silt of the Wairau valley floor. Hand-picked, racked of solids, wild ferment in barrel, then elevage for 12 months, 15% new. 

From the Poplars Vineyard - aromas of ripe yellow stone fruits, sweet grapefruit, baked custard toasty wood and spice qualities of fresh new French oak. Complex and youthful. On the palate - it’s all about texture and synergy of fruit, wood and place. Full bodied, no mistaking the impact of oak with a new wood core and plenty of acidity ensures the ageing potential is engaged from the outset. Cushioning from the ripe fruit, barrel spices and warming alcohol present a wine that will age well, is ready to drink - with food till end of 2022 - with best drinking from 2023 through 2028+. Am keen to try this wine again this time in 2022. - Cameron Douglas MW

The Finer Details
Style - White Wine
Varietal - Chardonnay
Country - New Zealand
Region - Marlborough
Vintage - 2019
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 13.5%
Other - Organic
Closure - Screw Cap