TE MVariety: Cabernet/Merlot/Cabernet Franc
Tasting Note:
The illustrious 2023 reigns supreme with a level of expression and finesse as robust as its lineage. A stately example of coastal cabernet, the Coleraine 23 harmonizes intricate varietal notes with an elegant structure and a power that feels both balanced and commanding. At its core lies the indomitable characteristics of cabernet the grape upon which Coleraines reign has always been built. Te Matas cabernet collection, sourced from seven noble selections across 24 vineyard parcels, is majestic in the Coleraine 23 blend, commanding a regal 80% of the composition. Joined by 15% merlot and a touch of 5% cabernet franc, this royal assembly reflects the multitude of soil types and vineyard sites that define our sub-regions. Coleraine is New Zealand's greatest red wine a true returning king in every sense." Te Mata Estate
Reviews:
98 points, Erin Larkin, Wine Advocate
"The 2023 Coleraine comprises 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc. This cuvée is not made to a recipe, rather as a selection of the best from each vintage. In 2023, due to the weather induced by Cyclone Gabrielle, which landed in early February (the second or third), the strongest performer was the Cabernet Sauvignon due to bunch architecture, small berries, thick skins and, in this case, the low-vigor rootstocks and the chicory in between the rows. Te Mata invests heavily into research and development in the vineyards, which really assists in a vintage like 2023, which imposes challenges. The elevation in all aspects of this wine from the already tremendously impressive Awatea is significant. Here, the tannins have a finer grain, the fruit is more persistent and the package is far more integrated and seamless. With raspberry, iodine, crushed shells, nori, pressed flowers, new lead pencil, tobacco, bramble and cassis, it is magnificent. Raw cocoa and the gentle and subtle creep of game/gristle/blood and sweet marrow indicate its direction later in life. I love this wine. I think I write that every time I taste it. 13.5% alcohol, sealed under natural cork. Drink: 2024-2043."
98 points, Sam Kim, Wine Orbit
"Stunning bouquet ... engaging and captivating. The palate exhibits immense concentration and presence, superbly enhanced by silky texture and layers of chalky tannins. The acidity is perfectly pitched and provides freshness to this long-living wine. A wine of meticulous precision and undeniable sophistication."
96 points, Gary Walsh, The Wine Front
"Blackcurrant, essence of Cabernet thing here, dried herbs (thyme) and nori, tobacco, pencil, liquorice/aniseed. Medium-bodied, bright acid line, ripe tomato, black and red fruit, lots of pulverized rock stuff to tannin, with a very long finish. Wonderful perfume, crisp with kind of a porcini mushroom umami-laced character about it, more of a cool and bony feel, but a great wine all the same. I’m spending a lot of time thinking about this wine, about where it will go, and where it sits in the pantheon of Te Mata Coleraine, and the upshot it is 'up'. It’s either 95+ or 96 points. Drink: 2027-2043+."