Te MataProducer from Hawke's Bay, New Zealand

Te Mata Estate has an impressive heritage, with over 100 years of winemaking experience. Despite being a young winemaking country, New Zealand has managed to establish Te Mata Estate as one of its finest wineries. Renowned wine critic Robert Parker has hailed it as "New Zealand's greatest winery," while Decanter has called it "New Zealand's first growth." It is a rare achievement for a winery to command such acclaim in a relatively short period of time.

Te Mata Estate, founded in 1854 by English migrant John Chambers, is a highly regarded winery in New Zealand. Over the years, it has gained recognition for producing some of the country's most iconic and sought-after wines. While the winery started to take off in 1892, it was the idea of Bernard, the third son, that truly propelled Te Mata Estate to success. After a trip to France, he decided to plant vineyards on the north-facing hills around Havelock North, inspired by the winemaking techniques of the Medoc region.

Te Mata Estate also produces a range of single-vineyard wines that showcase the distinct qualities of each site. These include the Bullnose Syrah, Awatea Cabernet/Merlot, and Elston Chardonnay.

"Legendary Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot blend of NZ. New Zealand’s Sassicaia" - James Suckling

Te Mata Coleraine:

The pinnacle of Te Mata Estate's wines is the Coleraine, a Bordeaux-style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. This wine stands out as one of New Zealand's finest reds, acclaimed for its depth, complexity, and elegance. It is a true reflection of the unique terroir of Hawkes Bay, where the winery is located. Te Mata Estate's commitment to quality and excellence shines through in every sip of Coleraine. The wine has the potential to age gracefully for two decades or more, making it a collectible for wine enthusiasts. Rebecca Gibb MW (Vinous) emphasizes that the Coleraine is "New Zealand's closest thing to a Bordeaux classed growth."

Coleraine has drawn comparisons to Sassicaia, a renowned Italian red wine, with James Suckling calling it "New Zealand's Sassicaia." This comparison speaks to the exceptional quality and reputation that Coleraine has achieved in the wine world. The winery has seen a string of successful vintages, with the 2019 and 2020 receiving perfect scores of 100 points.

Te Mata Bullnose Syrah:

The Bullnose Syrah is a single-vineyard wine that reflects the distinct characteristics of Te Mata Estate's Bullnose vineyard. This vineyard, with its well-drained soils, hot summer days, and cool nights, provides the ideal conditions for growing Syrah grapes. The Bullnose Syrah displays a rich and intense flavor profile. It showcases aromas of dark berries, black pepper, and spice, with hints of floral notes. On the palate, it is full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a long, lingering finish. The wine strikes a beautiful balance between fruit concentration and elegant structure.

Te Mata Awatea Cabernet/Merlot:

The Awatea Cabernet/Merlot is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, crafted to showcase the unique characteristics of Te Mata Estate's Hawkes Bay vineyards. The grapes are sourced from carefully selected sites, ensuring the best expression of these noble varieties. This wine exhibits the classic attributes of a Bordeaux-style blend. It features black currant, plum, and blackberry aromas, with notes of cedar, tobacco, and spice. On the palate, the Awatea Cabernet/Merlot is endowed with ripe, yet structured tannins, creating a rich and layered mouthfeel. The Awatea is always great value.

Te Mata Elston Chardonnay:

Elston Chardonnay is named after Elston Hall, the historic house that stands at the heart of Te Mata Estate. This wine represents the finest expression of Chardonnay from their vineyards, carefully selected for their unique microclimate and soils. The Elston Chardonnay reveals a harmonious balance between fruit purity and a subtle oak influence. On the palate, it is elegant and refined, with a creamy texture and a well-integrated acidity. Elston Chardonnay embodies the essence of Hawkes Bay, delivering a distinctive and memorable Chardonnay experience.