Te Mata New Releases. February 2009

Te Mata Estate has always been one of New Zealand’s most prestigious wineries. Over the years I have penned many glowing reviews and reports inspired by tasting and drinking these wines from the cellar.

How then can I begin to give perspective to these new releases with this already great back drop? These latest wines are simply sensational. The absolute breed and sophistication exhibited across the range is simply world class. The Zara Viognier is probably the most stylish example I have tried outside the greats of Condrieu. The Cape Crest Sauvignon Blanc is the most sophisticated Sauvignon Blanc I have ever tasted. The Coleraine is just a painting, all evolution. It is bottled aristocracy.

The progression of these labels is just so exciting to see. The wealth of experience, the lesson learned and the drive to continually improve seems seldom matched in New Zealand. This great stable is only becoming a more powerful advertisement for New Zealand wine.

2008 Te Mata Estate Zara Viognier. Let’s be very clear. The Zara label represents the feeling in the camp that at last Viognier is where Te Mata sets the standard. It is a huge step up upon the wines bottled under the Woodthorpe label. The appearance is pale in colour with a straw hue. The nose exudes White Peach and subtle spice. The palate exhibits canned pear, cream, mandarin with subtle vanilla pod, creamed rice and baked egg custard. It is beautifully put together with a textural element not seen in past vintages. A gorgeous, refined and sophisticated wine. $28 97/109

2008 Te Mata Cape Crest Sauvignon Blanc. I do not drink this wine enough. This is without doubt the most sophisticated Sauvignon Blanc in New Zealand. Those who have given up drinking this variety are under compulsion to try this wine before they lock the door on the variety. The nose is refined and scintillating with fine citrus and passionfruit on the nose. The palate is a symphony of refined and delicate flavours all layered and complementing. Delicate peach and guava dominate the palate augmented by a flavour the Stig expressed; “Spaceman Cigarette Lollies”. And he is right. There are also hints of passionfruit lurking as well. This is an absolutely sensational wine that would eat alive any of the wines I picked as my Top Sauvignon Blancs last year. It is simply a class above and one of the greatest Sauvignon Blancs I have ever tasted. $28 101/109

2007 Te Mata Elston Chardonnay. The 2008 vintage has been held back for later release, but we had a re look at last years release; the 2007. The nose displays a nuttiness and mealy note to add complexity to the pineapple and grapefruit aromas. On the palate we are introduced to bottled lemon and caramel flavours. Refined acids and plenty of concentration are another hallmark to be noted. It is beginning to integrate and settle, but at the moment I would wait. $33 96/109

2007 Te Mata Estate Awatea Cabernets Merlot. Brilliant purple, very youthful in colour. On the nose we encounter powerful aromas of lavender, black liquorice, polished leather and dense dark plum. The palate weaves flavours of dark fine chocolate, dark plum with fine, ripe powdery tannin. It is very concentrated, finely boned and built to last. It is yet to show its best but is packed with potential and has a long life ahead. Te Mata quotes 8-10 years. I really think this could be very alive in 12+ year’s time. $33 96+/109

2007 Te Mata Estate Coleraine. Again a proprietary blend and I did not enquire as to its make up, but looks to me like a Merlot and Cabernet franc dominated wine. It is a plush Coleraine, very textural, multi faceted and brooding. The nose is rich and fragrant with blackberry and blackcurrant aromas. On the palate there is a creamy texture immediately noticeable, fine cocoa tannins, hints of sweet spice all finishing long with ripe fine gripping tannins. Dripping sophistication and class, this is easily at least as good as the best of the excellent 2004-2006 run of vintages. It is approachable already, but promises to be a sought after and stylish drink in years to come. $69 100+/109

PS. Since writing the above note I have found the makeup of 2007 Coleraine is 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Cabernet Franc and 34% Merlot. Easy to see why I don't try making wine writing a career!!