Impressions on new Te Mata Releases

[Craig(NZ)]

Just some quick impressions here from showcase tasting

2011 Te Mata Cape Crest Sauvignon Blanc. I have always rated this label especially since the game changing 2007 which was sensational. The 2011 is again a sophisticated, detailed and exact wine with x factor, texture and pure drinkablility. Not a trendy wine it seems but I am buying. One of NZ's greatest Sauvignon Blancs and I don't know how succesful anyone would be arguing it is not the best one NZ produces outside Marlborough $27

2010 Te Mata Zara Viognier. It is a nice wine but a difficult grape for me to enjoy. It is extremely rich, concentrated and well textured. For me though I like the other two whites better $27

2010 Te Mata Elston Chardonnay. One of the very best Elstons of the decade. The thing I like about it is the precicion it shows, the focus, the fine acids which all seem better promoted than previous vintages. And value for money it is peerless. $27

2010 Te Mata Bullnose Syrah. I have never really found Bullnose to have the excitement and x factor in quantities enough to remove my wallet from my pocket but the 2009 and 2010 vintages are really stepping up a gear. Lovely ripe, svelte and satin like tannins, super in mouth texture and perfect ripeness. This is a class act and so so drinkable Sold Out but $45

2010 Te Mata Estate Awatea. This is an exceptionally classy wine and all for a very good price. It shows all the poise, all the detail and class of the Coleraine just with a touch of slightly more breezy boysenberry like fruit. The way I have seen Awateas from the past 5 years develop I am excited about this wine and will be buying quite a few. With a couple of years in the cellar they seem to lose that breeezy fruit and develop serious bordeaux like graphite/ iodine characters that you just never get in wines at this price. A must buy I think $30

2010 Te Mata Estate Coleraine. The big big question is; is it as good as the superlative 2009? To me the answer is "nearly". It is a fantastically concentrated and elegant wine, interlectual, precise and detailed. Very formal and as such loses a touch of the raw "excitement" the 2009 gave me when I have tasted it. It doesn't quite have the body of the 2007-2009 trio, it isn't as broad but it has a gorgeous satin texture and a building presense. A wine worthy of the label. I will buy but not as many as the 2009 but I will buy, it is all class. The price also is sneaking up into the "luxury" category. $70

[Adair]

Hi Craig,
Opened a bottle of the 2010 Coleraine tonight. Your note is spot on.
Thanks for the opinion.
Adair

[winenovice]

Just bought

4 x 2009 Te Mata Estate Awetea
3 x 2010 Te Mata Bullnose Syrah
3 x 2009 Te Mate Estate Coleraine

Can't wait to try them. Can't seem to find the 2010 Awetea anywhere in Melbourne. Uncle Dan still stocks the 2007 as current vintage. It seems that they might not be able to move them here.

John

[Craig(NZ)]

2007 is probably the best awatea ever made in my opinion. Grab some if they are a good price and you are so inclined