2024 Poppies Late Harvest Pinot Gris, Martinborough

Seductively fragrant with elegance and complexity, the bouquet shows ripe apricot, orange peel, poached pear, and warm spice aromas, leading to a delectably expressed palate offering fleshy texture and joyful sweetness. Wonderfully balanced by finely infused acidity, it’s irresistibly tasty and flatteringly classy. Undeniably well-crafted with generosity and finesse in one. At its best: 2026 to 2036

96 points Sam Kim wineorbit.co.nz

Poppies Late Harvest Pinot Gris from Martinborough is a beautifully crafted dessert wine that captures the essence of this boutique New Zealand producer’s artisanal approach. Made by Poppy and Shayne Hammond, the husband and wife duo behind Poppies Martinborough, this wine is produced in very limited quantities and only in vintages where conditions allow for natural concentration of the fruit on the vine.

The Pinot Gris grapes are left to hang late into the season, developing high natural sugars and a touch of botrytis, which adds layers of complexity and texture. The fruit is handpicked, gently pressed, and fermented slowly at cool temperatures to preserve aromatic freshness while allowing the rich sweetness to harmonise with crisp acidity.

In the glass, it reveals aromas of poached pear, baked apple, honeycomb, ginger and orange blossom. The palate is silky and opulent, yet balanced by bright acidity that gives lift and a clean finish. It’s indulgent without being heavy, with enough structure to pair with food or shine solo.

Perfect with blue cheese, tarte Tatin, spiced pear crumble or panna cotta. It also makes an elegant match for pâté or even spicy Asian dishes with a touch of sweetness.