2024 Poppies Gewurztraminer, Martinborough

Perfumed and inviting, the bouquet shows mango, pineapple, lychee, and Turkish Delight aromas with a warm spicy overtone.
The palate offers succulent fruit intensity with fleshy texture and elegant sweetness, perfectly countered by juicy acidity, making it superbly harmonious and seamless with a sustained, exotic finish. At its best: now to 2034

97 points Sam Kim for Wine Orbit

Deep aromas of coriander seed, nutmeg and sandalwood lead into a decadently medium-sweet palate with voluptuous flavours of hedonistic ripe mango, pineapple and lychee. There is a burst of sherbet-like acidity which brings everything into balance, finishing with honey, fennel and stevia rather than overt sugar. A mouthful in every way, yet possessing a lightness of body and delicacy despite its exotic ripeness, this gewürztraminer will develop in bottle in the near term. Drink 2025-2030.

94 points Stephen Wong for The Real Review, December 2025

Poppies Gewürztraminer from Martinborough is an intensely aromatic, textural white wine that captures the expressive nature of this exotic variety through the lens of small-scale, hands-on winemaking. Crafted by Poppy and Shayne Hammond, this wine reflects their commitment to producing distinctive, estate-grown wines with personality and precision.

Gewürztraminer thrives in Martinborough’s cool climate, where long ripening allows full development of its signature floral and spice-driven character. The grapes are handpicked at optimal ripeness, whole bunch pressed, and fermented slowly to preserve fragrance and build mouthfeel. A portion of the wine may see time on lees or in neutral oak depending on the vintage, adding complexity and softness.

In the glass, it’s bursting with lychee, rose petal, ginger, Turkish delight and citrus blossom. The palate is lush and silky, layered with tropical fruit, baking spice and a gentle phenolic grip that gives structure and a dry, lingering finish. It’s an intensely perfumed and palate-coating wine, yet beautifully balanced.

Ideal with spiced duck, Thai red curry, laksa, Moroccan tagine or even soft bloomy cheeses. It’s a white wine for those who love bold flavour and aromatic complexity.