2022 Te Mata Coleraine

"Deep, brooding purple-red colour with a concentrated berry fruit bouquet laced with cedar, violets and dried herbs, gorgeous fruit and classy oak embellishment. The wine is full bodied and powerful, with a generous serving of fine grained tannins that add length, authority and a drying but supple finish. Tremendous persistence and wonderful structure. A great wine, that will richly reward long-term cellaring. 09 JAN 2024." Drink 2026 - 2044

“The ‘King of the Grape’ Cabernet Sauvignon comes to the fore with its flatteringly classy presence. This is captivating and totally seductive on the nose, exhibiting blackcurrant, violet, game, anise, subtle tobacco and cedary oak characters, leading to a powerfully concentrated palate displaying considerable depth and exceptional concentration. Harmonious too, it’s gloriously structured and balanced with a firm grip, yet the tannins are just right and seamlessly infused. Perfectly proportioned, this 2022 has the majestic feel that each previous Coleraine possess. A blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot & 3% Cabernet Franc. At its best: 2032 to 2052. $165.00. www.temata.co.nz. Jan 2024." Drink 2032 - 2052

"It is clear to me that the Coleraine from Te Mata is New Zealand’s greatest Cabernet blend—this was emphasized after the time spent in the vineyards. The level of detail and attention paid to determining and managing vine vigor through the use of varied and appropriate cover crops, vine exertion during the growing season and tannin management in the vineyard is staggering. The 2022 Coleraine is laden at this stage with the outrageous attractiveness of youth. I mean, it’s irresistible. There’s raspberry, nori, rose petals, coffee grounds, star anise, salted licorice, sun-dried kelp/nori, warm pine and layers of peppercorns. In the mouth, the wine is so fresh, so alive, with so much energy, but it already is showing the svelte line of this house, this place. With a hint of raw cocoa laced through the finish, I’m sad to push this glass away. It will be the last time that I taste it for a while. A ripper. Excellent. This is composed of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc. Having spent two hours in the vineyards prior to this tasting, the level of detail and viticultural care fills me with comfort and confidence, even more than I already had. It’s great. These older vineyards are looked after to absurd detail. Every 1% pays off, and that is the defining difference between a good estate and a great one." Drink 2023 - 2057