The Auswine Forum

Posted: **Mon Jan 24, 2005 4:05 pm**

2002 Te MATA "Elston" Chardonnay - Hawkes Bay, NZ

Straw/yellow. Quite a worked nose. Cashews and a little char with powerful nectarine and peach. Subtle cream and vanilla from oak. Smooth. Broad. Great intensity. Elegant back palate that lingers mouth-wateringly well but without the intensity of the front. Showed very, very well after 24 hours. In fact, probably better than on the first night as it had a better finish. Classy wine. Highly Recommended/Excellent.

Kind regards,
Adair

Posted: **Mon Jan 24, 2005 10:15 pm**

Has anyone tried the latest Colleraine or Woodthorpe from Te Mata? Thoughts on these wines? I'm yet to have much faith in NZ reds (other than Pinot) and with a high price tag, wouldn't consider purchasing unless a fellow Aussie could highly recommend...

Posted: **Tue Jan 25, 2005 3:38 pm**

The 02 Coleraine is a different beast to usual, it is Merlot Predominant for the first time ever

It is a very fine wine, but it isnt a 'Coleraine'. Wont be a long term cellar dweller. I bought one but usually buy more from a so called 'top' hawkes bay vintage.

The 03 Woodthorpe is pretty average. 03 looks a difficult year for the bay.

Had the 98 Awatea in the weekend. That is an absolutely sensational red, all class and I can only start comparing it to top bordeaux. Nothing from NZ really does it justice as a comparison. restrained, rich, classy, elegant, 100% ripe, fine, black fruited, complex