Tasting Notes 1994
1994 Coleraine has a dark crimson purple colour. It has a concentrated aroma of blackberries, anise, smoke and toast, supported by a ripe full palate finishing with firm tannins.
1994 Coleraine is a wonderful accompaniment to well-flavoured dishes such as casseroles, roasted and grilled meats, pasta and delicatessen meats.
1994 Coleraine is a blend of 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Cabernet Franc and 9% Merlot.
It has a potential to improve in bottle for 7-12 years from harvest.
Technical Analysis
pH: 3.6
Total acidity as tartaric: 5.8g/l
Alcohol: 12.5%
Residual sugar: Dry
Winemaking
The grapes were destemmed, crushed and warm fermented peaking at 30°C. Following maceration and pressing, the wine was run into new and used French oak barriques for 20 months, during which it was aged and blended.
Vineyards
The grapes for 1994 Coleraine were hand harvested between the 22nd and the 30th April.
Origin
Coleraine derives its name from the Coleraine vineyard, home of John and Wendy Buck of Te Mata Estate. John’s late grandfather came from Coleraine in Northern Ireland and the name has been maintained through the family properties to the wine. Originally a single vineyard wine, from 1989 Coleraine has been an assemblage of the finest wines produced from distinct plots within Te Mata Estate’s oldest vineyards on the Havelock Hills.
