Poppy 2023 Chardonnay Santa Lucia Highlands

The 2023 Poppy Chardonnay from Santa Lucia Highlands is a luminous and impeccably balanced expression of cool-climate California Chardonnay. It combines bright citrus and orchard fruit with a fine mineral thread and elegant structure, delivering both freshness and textural richness in a style that is immediately appealing yet thoughtfully composed.

Origins & Craftsmanship
Sourced from vineyards within the distinguished Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, this Chardonnay benefits from one of California’s premier sites for cool-climate white wine. Soils rich in marine sediments and well-drained loam, coupled with significant diurnal temperature shifts and breezes from Monterey Bay, foster slow ripening and preserve natural acidity.

The 2023 fruit was harvested at optimal physiological maturity and gently whole-cluster pressed. Fermentation took place in a blend of stainless steel and French oak barrels, with a portion undergoing barrel fermentation to lend texture and mid-palate depth. Lees aging and subtle bâtonnage were employed to build mouthfeel and complexity, while restrained oak influence adds nuance without overpowering the varietal character. The result is a Chardonnay with purity of fruit, fine balance, and refined build.

Critics Reviews
Wine Enthusiast says the Poppy Chardonnay highlights its “crisp citrus core with bright orchard fruit and saline energy,” and noting its “well-integrated oak and refreshing finish that speaks to Santa Lucia Highlands’ coastal identity.”

James Suckling praises its “lemon blossom, green apple, and white peach aromatics,” and describing the palate as “layered yet precise, with vibrant acidity and a lingering mineral undertow.”

Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate emphasizes its “elegant interplay of creamy lees texture and focused acidity,” and noting its “versatility at table and ability to age gracefully over the next several years.”

Critics consistently commend the wine for its clarity of fruit, structural tension, and balance between freshness and complexity.

Tasting Profile

Nose:
Bright and expressive, with aromas of lemon zest, green apple, white peach, jasmine blossom, and hints of toasted almond and sea breeze.

Palate:
Medium-bodied and finely structured, revealing crisp citrus, orchard fruit layers, and a subtle mineral edge. Integrated French oak contributes gentle spice and creamy texture without detracting from fruit purity.

Finish:
Clean, persistent, and refreshing, with lingering citrus and stone fruit notes underscored by saline minerality and soft oak spice.

Quick Overview