Product Description:
New Zealand's Greatest Red Wine – A Majestic Return to Form. Te Mata Estate, established in 1896, has long been a symbol of exceptional winemaking in Hawke’s Bay. In the hands of the Buck family since 1978, the estate has been a beacon of quality, producing internationally recognized wines from its historic vineyards. The Coleraine, a wine born from the heart of the estate, is a testament to the family’s dedication to excellence, drawing from the oldest vineyards on the Havelock Hills.
Named after the Coleraine vineyard, the wine honors the legacy of John Buck’s late grandfather, who was born in Coleraine, Northern Ireland. Since its inception, Coleraine has been crafted with the finest selections from the estate’s vineyards, and from 1989, it became an assemblage of the most exceptional plots, producing a wine that is as much a product of place as it is of craftsmanship.
The 2023 vintage of Coleraine stands as a commanding statement of New Zealand’s winemaking prowess. A perfect blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, and 5% Cabernet Franc, the 2023 release brings together the regal qualities of the region’s noble varietals, delivering a wine of unmatched complexity, structure, and finesse. With fruit sourced from 24 individual vineyard parcels and seven distinguished Cabernet selections, the Coleraine 2023 reigns supreme as the pinnacle of Te Mata’s viticultural achievements.
Maker:
Te Mata Estate, established in 1896, is one of New Zealand’s most prestigious wineries, with a history rooted in the rich soils of Hawke’s Bay. Originally part of Te Mata Station, the estate’s winemaking journey began with Bernard Chambers, who planted the first vines on the hills around Havelock North in the 1890s. Today, the winery remains a family-owned operation, with the Buck and Morris families continuing the legacy of excellence. Under the leadership of generations of skilled winemakers, including current winemaker Peter Cowley, Te Mata has flourished into an internationally recognised producer, known for its exceptional red and white wines. With a focus on creating wines that reflect the unique terroir of the region, Te Mata Estate crafts wines that balance tradition with innovation, producing a range of wines including the iconic Coleraine, Bullnose Syrah, and Cape Crest Sauvignon Blanc. The winery's commitment to quality and sustainability continues to shape its legacy as one of New Zealand’s greatest wine producers.
Philosophy/Vineyard:
At Te Mata Estate, the philosophy is grounded in the belief that exceptional wine begins in the vineyard. The estate is home to some of the oldest vineyards in New Zealand, planted with classic Bordeaux varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Chardonnay, as well as Pinot Noir and Syrah. The terroir of Hawke’s Bay, with its combination of fertile soils, mild climate, and ample sunshine, provides the perfect environment for growing grapes with character and complexity. Organic farming principles are key to maintaining the health of the vines and the surrounding ecosystem, ensuring that every bottle of Te Mata wine reflects the purity and richness of the land.
The estate consists of 24 hectares of vineyard blocks across several sub-regions of Hawke’s Bay, with a careful selection of vine varieties that best express the diverse soil types and microclimates. Te Mata Estate practices responsible viticulture, including green harvesting, low-intervention winemaking, and sustainable farming techniques. This hands-on approach is led by a team with over 40 years of combined experience in viticulture, ensuring that every vintage is crafted with the utmost care and precision. Te Mata Estate’s wines are a reflection of the unique conditions of the land, allowing each bottle to showcase the perfect balance of power and elegance, with a distinctive sense of place.
Tasting Notes
NOSE – Blackcurrant, Soy, Espresso + Driftwood
A brilliant, regal hue. Floral notes of white flowers elevate the complexity, while the brooding depth of black fruit underpins the wine’s aromatic intensity.
PALATE – Majestic Structure
A structure that feels both commanding and harmonious. An engaging and intricate mouthfeel, with a rich tannin profile that provides a sculpted texture. An added layer of freshness and subtle spice, enhancing the wine’s overall depth.
FINISH – Endless Elegance
Long, intense, and irresistibly captivating, with a tannin-rich, coastal character that lingers on the palate. A fine, elevated freshness and a touch of driftwood smoke mark the end of the experience.
Reviews + Accolades:
Wonderful perfume, crisp with kind of a porcini mushroom umami-laced character about it, more of a cool and bony feel, but a great wine all the same. I’m spending a lot of time thinking about this wine, about where it will go, and where it sits in the pantheon of Te Mata Coleraine, and the upshot it is ‘up’. - Gary Walsh, The Wine Front, 96 Points.
Stunning bouquet ... engaging and captivating. The palate exhibits immense concentration and presence, superbly enhanced by silky texture and layers of chalky tannins. The acidity is perfectly pitched and provides freshness to this long-living wine. A wine of meticulous precision and undeniable sophistication. - Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, 98 Points.
Here, the tannins have a finer grain, the fruit is more persistent and the package is far more integrated and seamless. With raspberry, iodine, crushed shells, nori, pressed flowers, new lead pencil, tobacco, bramble and cassis, it is magnificent. Raw cocoa and the gentle and subtle creep of game/gristle/blood and sweet marrow indicate its direction later in life. I love this wine. I think I write that every time I taste it. - Erin Larkin, The Wine Advocate. 98 Points.
The Finer Details
Style - Red Wine
Varietal - 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc
Country - New Zealand
Region - Hawke's Bay
Vintage - 2023
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 13.5%
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