2022 Te Mata Awatea Cabernet Merlot
Grape
44% Merlot, 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 14% Cabernet Franc
Its Origins
Originally a farm with homestead established in 1854 by John Chambers, it was his son Bernard who, on return from travels in France, planted vineyards on its north facing hills - which are still in use. In 1919 the Chambers sold and the Te Mata Vineyards company was established, to continue until 1975 when two associates, John Buck and Michael Morris, ended their 8 year search for a winery location by purchasing on the historic Te Mata estate. By remaining firmly rooted in a kind of modern traditional approach - quality focussed wines made with long-term expertise and from estate-only vineyards - Te Mata Estate have risen and risen as New Zealand’s benchmark for cellaring quality. Depending on variety, both their middle and top end wines are consistently capable not only of balance and appeal on release, but of aging for multiple decades.
What The Critics Say
96/100 Wine Orbit, Sam Kim
"The classic Bordeaux-like bouquet is immediately seductive, showing blackcurrant, sweet cherry, thyme, floral and elegant oak aromas on the nose. The palate has a gorgeous presence and persistency, wonderfully complemented by fleshy texture and loads of polished tannins. This is an irresistible Awatea offering drinkability as well as potential to evolve to provide even greater complexity. Outstanding value for money. A blend of 44% Merlot, 42% Cabernet Sauvignon & 14% Cabernet Franc. At its best: 2025 to 2037. $45.00. Jan 2024." Drink 2025 - 2037
95+/100 RobertParker.com, Erin Larkin
"This is routinely a superb wine, svelte and supple. The smaller sibling to the magnificent Coleraine, the 2022 Awatea Cabernets / Merlot is composed of 44% Merlot, 42% Cabernet Sauvignon and 14% Cabernet Franc. This is approximately 30% new French oak, the same barrel regime as Coleraine prior to selections. I love smelling Cabernet—a great one can make you smile. I'm smiling right now. There's raspberry pip, nori, dried herbs (thyme, lavender, etc.), white flowers, coal dust, star anise, licorice ... I could go on. The palate is shaped by ductile, ferruginous tannins, which contribute a bloody purity. It's a sensational wine, grossly underpriced, and it is an absolute pleasure to drink. Do not delay. 13.5% alcohol, sealed under Diam." Drink 2023 - 2042
94+/100 The Wine Front, Gary Walsh
"Here’s we have 44% Merlot, 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 14% Cabernet Franc. I asked which Merlot clone they have in the ground at Te Mata, and it’s Entav, which is one of the better ones. Boysenberry, dusty spice, floral aromatics, tobacco, leaf and mint. Medium-bodied, powdery tannin, very ‘mineral’ acidity, bright but sitting in the wine well, raspberry and plum, complex and chalky firm on a long finish, a little seaweed in the mix. Crisp. Very fine wine. Needs a few more years in bottle." Drink 2025 - 2035
| Variety | Cabernet Merlot Blend |
|---|---|
| Region | Hawkes Bay |
| Closure | Cork |
| Volume | 750ml |
| Alcohol | 13.50% |
| Maturity | 2023 - 2042 |
This Wine Goes Well With
Taste
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If for any reason you are not entirely happy with your order or you suspect that they may be affected by a quality issue, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will remedy the problem straight away. Contact us on 0800 422 767.
