If you're building a long-term investment portfolio, it can pay to start with the best.

ASX 200 blue chip stocks — the large, established companies with strong track records and durable earnings — offer the kind of stability, resilience, and consistent performance that can anchor your investments through every market cycle.

And while not all blue chips are created equal, a select few continue to deliver on both quality and potential.

For example, listed below are three high quality ASX 200 blue chip stocks that analysts at Goldman Sachs rate as top buys. Let's see what they are recommending:

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL)

CSL is a world-class biotechnology company and one of Australia's greatest success stories. Best known for its blood plasma therapies, CSL operates across the globe and remains at the cutting edge of healthcare innovation.

It could be an ASX 200 blue chip stock to buy due to its combination of defensive characteristics and growth potential. It operates in a highly specialised sector with high barriers to entry, and it continually reinvests in R&D to drive long-term product development.

While recent years have seen some growing pains due to global disruptions, CSL's long-term trajectory remains intact — supported by strong management, new product launches, and demand for life-saving medical treatments that won't go away.

Goldman Sachs is bullish on the company and is forecasting double-digit earnings growth in the coming years. It has a buy rating and $307.30 price target on its shares.

REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA)

Another ASX 200 blue chip stock that could be a strong buy is REA Group. It is the company behind realestate.com.au, which has become an essential player in Australia's housing market. It dominates online real estate advertising, commanding huge market share and benefiting from powerful network effects.

Despite being in a cyclical industry, REA Group's digital platform gives it a high-margin, scalable business model that continues to grow even in softer housing markets. And with falling interest rates expected to boost the housing market, it is well placed to benefit from increased ad spend and product innovation.

Goldman Sachs currently has a buy rating and $273.00 price target on its shares.

Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW)

Finally, when it comes to defensive core portfolio holdings, it is hard to look beyond this ASX 200 blue chip stock.

As one of Australia's largest supermarket and retail groups, Woolworths benefits from its scale, trusted brand, and recurring consumer demand — especially for essential goods. Even in tough economic conditions, people still need groceries, and Woolworths is often the first place they turn.

Goldman thinks that its shares are undervalued at current levels and sees plenty of upside for buyers. The broker has a buy rating and $36.10 price target on its shares.