A gleaming obsidian-dark, Coleraine ’20 flashes in the glass. From its depths glimmers wild roses and cedar, blackcurrants, dark cherries, plums – a rapid symmetry of perfectly ripe dark fruit. Notes of cocoa-nib, thyme, and layer upon layer of fine tannin are polished to a mirror-finish, shimmering the length of the wine.
From its elevated aromatics to its monumental mid-palate weight, intense vitality, and long radiant finish, Coleraine ’20 is a window on midnight. Replete in detail. Out of darkness emerges an immense wine of clarity, concentration and focus. Coleraine 2020 is a perfect vision.
WINEMAKING
Each parcel of grapes was de-stemmed before a traditional warm, plunged fermentation and extended maceration on skins. The resulting wines were then run to predominately new French oak barrels for 17 months maturation during which they were regularly topped and racked. The assemblage was made in January 2021. The finished wine was bottled in December 2021. The final blend comprises 57% cabernet sauvignon, 36% merlot and 7% cabernet franc.
VINEYARDS
Coleraine ’20 was hand harvested from separate plots within Te Mata’s vineyards between 19 March and 2 April 2020.
Huon Hooke
The Real Review
‘Very deep, bold, bright purple/ red colour, the aromas similarly impressive for their concentration and vibrancy. The wine is super concentrated and loaded with drying, savoury tannins that add a smidgin of bitterness that helps cleanse the aftertaste, which is formidably long. A sensational cabernet blend, gorgeously flavoured and perfumed, profound and lingering. It has the intensity and structure to age longterm. The patient will be handsomely rewarded.’
97 Points ★★★★★
--------THE PRODUCER--------
Te Mata Estate
Te Mata Estate is New Zealand's oldest winery, oldest wine estate and has the oldest winery cellars in the country - in continuous operation since 1895. Te Mata is a boutique New Zealand winery that estate produces everything at their Havelock Hills site. Coleraine is their stand out wine and has often been known as the best red wine produced in New Zealand.
--------THE GRAPE--------
Bordeaux Red Blend
This is the most famous red blend of them all: Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Just like in Bordeaux, where this blend originates from, you will almost always see Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot in the blend, too. Each grape brings its own special element to the overall wine be it acid, tannin, colour or aromatics.
--------THE REGION--------
Hawkes Bay
Sunny Hawkes Bay is along the eastern coast of New Zealand's north island. It is here where some of the most fruit-forward wines come from. They are known for their tropical Chardonnays and their juicy reds from the excellent Bordeaux wines to the peppery Syrahs.
