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2005 Te Mata Estate “Awatea” Cabernet Merlot. |
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Written by Craig Thomson
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 2005 Te Mata Estate “Awatea” Cabernet Merlot. I really enjoyed the 2005 Te Mata red wines. It was generous of Cliff to pull this out of his cellar for Saturday afternoon drinks in the sun. Deep ruby red in the glass, the nose is a sensation displaying violets, black liquorice, red currants and star anise. The palate is framed by soft dusty tannins. The fruit is juicy and controlled with brambly red currant fruit, warm plush and soft. The finish is long displaying a soft gentle grip. It is classical Hawkes bay claret styled red. It is easy to say with the label in front of you but I am sure I would have confidently picked this as Hawkes Bay if served blind. It is a relaxed and highly expressive wine, just gorgeous. My feeling is this should develop further over the following 5+ years, though it is firing now. 96+/109
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