What are Te Mata Estate on???

[Craig(NZ).]

For the first time since 1982 when coleraine was first produced, the 2002 coleraine, according to www.temata.co.nz, is not going to be cabernet predominant!! 25% Cabernet Sauvignon only??

Why??? 2002 is a super vintage! why so little cabernet and why the massive change in direction??

Is this the biggest change of philosophy since 1989 when coleraine ceased to be a single vineyard wine??

(I find out if its any good next week...so tune in same time, same channel)

[Ian S]

wow
keep us posted!
Ian

[JamieBahrain]

Hi Craig

You have been quiet of late. And this is interesting.

I drink a lot of Coleraine ( for an Aussie ). I have enjoyed the cabernet dominated style over the years and have always felt outstanding value-whether $38 Aus for the 98 ex celler door or around the $50 mark at auction.

Keep us posted.

How is the 98 travelling?

[michel]

Let us know what it is like Craig.
Sounds the trend though- in a good year some vineyards crank up the merlot component (eg Freycinet Petaluma) and I dont really like it.
michel

[Craig(NZ)]

The debate of the the 98s has never been over its quality as a drink, but over the ability of them to age. A few were over cooked as perhaps the winemakers got over excited over the super amount of ripeness they were able to achieve in a freakish vintage.

Many top wines had a huge amount of 'puppy fat' which made it difficult to assess the underlying structures.

Over the last couple of months ive tried the 98 Unison Selection which Unison actually rate as their worst vintage. It is a lovely wine, very soft and ready to drink now. The 98 Te Mata Awatea is a super stylish wine, just so exact, showing fantastic breed. It too is drinking super now, and may not develop into a better wine with any more age.

Tried a 98 Vidals Res Cab Merlot last week, which is glorious, tried it 5 times now, and its just getting better and better and may take 5 years to peak. The 98 Esk Resreve too is showing a slow journey in the cellar. It is showing good structure and is still very primary. Looks like it will last as well as any other vintage, perhaps another 5 years. Tried it this month.

The 98 Coleraine I last tried last May and it was still very closed and tight. To me it hadnt changed much since release and I would suspect it is another 2-4 years away from its drinking window. I suspect it will easily make the 15 year mark. Whether it makes the 20 year mark that Te Mata have suggested is a discussion for further down the line. It is a very dense but finely structured coleraine that should unfold into something special. It has piles of fine concentrated black fruits and a great texture. I have magnums of it that have been stored at 12oC since a day after it was released, so if any bottle has a chance im hoping it will be those ones (I bought some hoping to crack them at the twins 21st)

Overall I feel the best made 98s will be very long lived wines. If you bought the wines with structure then I think you are in with a grin. The upfront cuddly fruit bombs are a great drink me now experience, but they wont last.

Im in the Hawkes Bay this week and will try the new release Te Mata's and search out some of these great 02 Syrahs to bring home.

Will post on my return

C.

[Ed W]

Hi Craig. I was in Hawkes Bay just before the usually non-drinking Auckland crowd clogging up the cellar door space during the harvest festival. The trip highlight for syrah was the 02 Craggy range block 14 released on the 1st day of the festival and I literally had to fight and climb over people to reach out my glass to the dude behind the counter.

It has savoury smoky note on the nose, and hint of spice and floral notes. I think what sets it apart was the strong ripe berry fruit and fine tannic backbone which seemed lacking in many of the wannabe HB syrahs, at the same time retaining the savoury old world style.

IMHO it is sooooo underpriced at $26pb from some shops. I suggest you would probably want to order some first before you head down as it may be all gone by then.
Eddie

[Red Bigot]

Hey Craig, I picked up 3 bottles of Mills Reef 2002 Reserve Merlot on spec from a cleanskin/remainder merchant @ $A16.95. Is this a bargain or did I buy a dud?

[Craig(NZ)]

I probably tried it at WineNZ last year, but I cant remember it, which means its probably aint fantastic, and it probably aint aweful. Mills Reef is a solid producer at the premium end of their range, the Elspeths are very consistant quality reds. The Reserve is actually their second tier. The reserve chardonnay is usually great bang for your buck to (for the others who may be reading)

2002 is an excellent vintage so im sure it will at least be agreeable and will make a change I suspect.

Tell us what u think of it when u try.

C.

[Craig(NZ)]

Michael

Craggy Range is at the top of the list of wineries to visit. The merlot and Syrah are always super wines and im a big Craggy fan. I aint got any left, I drunk dem all!! The wines have substance and style. I also reckon the Renwick Sauvignon is the best Sauvignon you can buy from a cellar door in the Hawkes Bay - very classical the soul of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.

I find their Chardonnays a bit over oaked, but im keen to try the new releases, see if they can convince me. They have a big job to match it with the still well priced Te Mata Elston.

Also keen to check out vidals, they have some substantial red wines from the 02 vintage.

Will be a blast.

[Red Bigot]

2002 is an excellent vintage so im sure it will at least be agreeable and will make a change I suspect.

Tell us what u think of it when u try.

C.

Thanks, it'll be a couple of weeks probably before I get to it, I'll post a note.

[TORB]

Thanks, it'll be a couple of weeks probably before I get to it, I'll post a note.

And make bloody sure your report includes points are to two decimal places!

Sorry Craig, could not resist.

[Ed W]

hi craig, and of course you will be going to the Esk Valley Estate.....The 2002 Terraces is a monster with layers of chocolate/berries/coffee/earth. In a vertical tasting of all Terraces the 02 was even bigger than the 98/00 specimen. the barrel sample (as of 2 weeks ago) of the 02 reserve merlot cab was almost just as good at $50 albeit more fruit driven and less earthy. I was tempted to get a bottle or two of the last remaining few bottles of the terraces but was feeling a bit poor towards the end of my trip. And then 10 minutes later as i was turning into west minister road heading to mission estate/church road i got hit with a $170 speed ticket.

eddie

[Craig(NZ)]

And make bloody sure your report includes points are to two decimal places!

Sorry Craig, could not resist.

I am actually considering moving to 3 decimal places to increase the accuracy. Good idea??

[JamieBahrain]

Thanks Craig

Appreciate the detailed response to my 98 Coleraine query.

I purchased a case in NZ during holidays a few years ago.

I tried a bottle a few years ago and found it lacked the depth and weight I expected - but good structure evident.

I am warm and fuzzy on the inside, to see 2000 Coleraine available on special, in Hong Kong, for around $60 Aus a bottle. That is very affordable for Honkers!

In the spirit of ANZAC, time to invite TORB to NZ, to critique your lovely pinot! Well maybe just Hawkes Bay.

[SueNZ]

Hey Craig, I picked up 3 bottles of Mills Reef 2002 Reserve Merlot on spec from a cleanskin/remainder merchant @ $A16.95. Is this a bargain or did I buy a dud?

I'm not Craig but yes you got a bargain. It was awarded a gold medal at the Royal Easter Wine Show judged last weekend.

Cheers,
Sue

[SueNZ]

For the first time since 1982 when coleraine was first produced, the 2002 coleraine, according to www.temata.co.nz, is not going to be cabernet predominant!! 25% Cabernet Sauvignon only??

Why??? 2002 is a super vintage! why so little cabernet and why the massive change in direction??

Is this the biggest change of philosophy since 1989 when coleraine ceased to be a single vineyard wine??

(I find out if its any good next week...so tune in same time, same channel)

Hi Craig,
I went to a Te Mata tasting on Tuesday and was told they used more more Cab Franc than normal (37%) as it performed really well in the vintage and has really added to the aromatics of the wine as well as adding to the structural backbone. Same amount of Merlot (39%) and the remainder Cab Sauv. It's a reflection of the vintage and may be back to Cab Sauv dominance next year. Whatever, it's a terrific Coleraine although now $62 a bottle RRP.

Cheers,
Sue

[Red Bigot]

Hey Craig, I picked up 3 bottles of Mills Reef 2002 Reserve Merlot on spec from a cleanskin/remainder merchant @ $A16.95. Is this a bargain or did I buy a dud?

I'm not Craig but yes you got a bargain. It was awarded a gold medal at the Royal Easter Wine Show judged last weekend.

Cheers,
Sue

Thanks Sue, I see it also won gold at the Air New Zealand Wine Show in 2003, might try one this weekend.