2008 Te Mata Coleraine. Some vintages of Coleraine actually are more approachable than Awatea upon release. This vintage, like the 2004 appears not to be. It is a very closed and linear wine at the moment, a wine held together by dusty tannins with a dry, ripe stalkiness to it. It does not have the textural elements or depth of layered flavours that the stunning 2007 vintage has. The fruit is more backward than the Awatea but the flavour profile is similar with deep dark plum, blackcurrant and blackberry augmented by dark cocoa. In a buyers shoes, I wonder if it would be more prudent to grab some more 2007’s while they are still on the shelves? It is a classy wine, though I am not sure I would class this Coleraine as a lesser vintage, though at the moment it doesn’t sit in the front rank for me. Having said that, all vintages of Coleraine have the knack of improving significantly in the cellar. One to revisit. 95/109

And i did revisit this at the winery where it showed just show much better. There was a lovely silky richness to the palate, it was tight, fine and long. I noted "Deep, dense blackberry/ blackcurrant with blood roses. Svelte velvet tannins, current and classy structure". So much better than my first taste and an easy 98/109. And once more a purchase. Just goes to show that tasting machines just aren't really as brilliant as they are advertised! The 2008 though still is one to drink while waiting for the 2007 to mature I think!!