Showcase Range Shot

All Wines

Explore Te Mata.

Screenshot 2025-07-22 at 12.22.00 PM

Showcase Wines

Coleraine, Bullnose, Awatea, Alma, Elston & Cape Crest.

Gamay

Estate Wines

Everyday luxury. Ready now.

Showcase Header

Limited Selections

Gifts for holidays, birthdays, weddings, graduations, retirements, special occasions and long weekends.

#Giftcards

Digital gift cards for wine credit.

  • New Tech for Fresher Wines

    By

    At Te Mata Estate, innovation has always been most meaningful when it serves the vineyard. That philosophy continues with the introduction of an Armbruster vibrating fruit sorting table, making Te Mata the first winery in New Zealand to adopt this technology. Designed to handle fruit with extraordinary care, the sorter reflects a long standing commitment to precision, freshness, and the clear expression of Hawke’s Bay. It is not technology for its own sake, but a tool chosen to honour what arrives at the winery door.

    The Armbruster system processes fruit slowly and continuously, ensuring grapes are never under pressure. Using a series of vertically arranged vibrating tables, the sorter can be precisely adjusted to suit individual varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc. This gentle movement allows berries to be separated and sorted without splitting skins, keeping each grape intact as it passes through the machine.

     

     

    By preventing skins from breaking, the fruit is protected from early exposure to oxygen. There is no free running juice, no leakage, and no loss of freshness at this stage. The berries emerge whole and firm, more like blueberries in a supermarket punnet than fruit destined for fermentation. This careful handling preserves acidity and aromatic purity, which are central to the regional style of Hawke’s Bay and to the identity of Te Mata wines.

    Originally, the intention was to reserve this meticulous process for the estate’s top wines, given the steady pace and considered handling required. Experience quickly proved its broader value. Today, every parcel of fruit at Te Mata passes through the Armbruster sorter. The result is a lift in quality across the entire range, with greater consistency, clarity, and energy in the finished wines.

    Wine has always advanced through the meeting of knowledge and curiosity. At Te Mata, technology and learning work together in service of beauty, balance, and place. By leading the way with innovations like the Armbruster sorter, Te Mata Estate continues to invest in the future of New Zealand wine while remaining deeply grounded in the character of its vineyards and the freshness that defines them.

     

     

     

  • Coleraine Sets New Record

    By

    ‘A collection of 37 Te Mata Estate wine bottles was bought twice at the Hawke’s Bay Wine Auction after the initial purchaser generously donated the collection back to be resold. The event raised $335,697 in support of Cranford Hospice, beating the 2023 auction, which raised $300,000.

    Lot 23, a privately donated vertical of Te Mata Estate Coleraine spanning four decades, was tipped to be one of the standouts of the day before bidding started – a rare and complete collection of Te Mata Estate Coleraine spanning 40 years.

    One of New Zealand’s most iconic wines, Coleraine has a history of creating a stir and setting national records in the handful of times it has appeared in the Hawke’s Bay Wine Auction’s more than 30-year history.’

     




     

  • Celebrating Conservation

    By

    This year marks a significant milestone for the Te Mata Special Character Zone as it celebrates its 30th anniversary. Nestled in the heart of Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand, this area stands as the country’s first legally protected zone for vineyards, winery, and viticulture, an achievement that sets a precedent in New Zealand’s wine industry.


    Unlike the renowned AOC or DOCG regions in Europe, New Zealand has yet to adopt such stringent protective measures. The Te Mata Special Character Zone, however, represents a unique blend of heritage, innovation, and natural beauty that encapsulates the essence of New Zealand’s wine culture. The Te Mata Special Character Zone is more than just a vineyard; it’s a testament to the vision and dedication of the region’s wine producers. By safeguarding this hillside area from any development, housing, or encroachment, the zone preserves the unique terroir that contributes to the distinctive flavors of Te Mata wines. This protection ensures that the vineyards can cultivate their grapes according to their own philosophies, free from outside influence, allowing the wines to express the true character and legacy of this historic area.

     

     

    The diverse landscape of the Te Mata Special Character Zone is home to a wealth of agricultural and horticultural ventures. From Te Mata Mushrooms and Arataki Honey to Wairarapa’s biodynamic gardens, the area supports a vibrant ecosystem of cultivation beyond the vineyards. This mixed-use approach not only enhances the biodiversity of the region but also fosters a community of growers who share a commitment to sustainable and responsible farming practices.

    The visual landscape of Te Mata is largely defined by the rolling hills and lush vineyards that make up this protected zone. It’s not just a visual treat but a journey into the heart of New Zealand’s wine country. The conservation and stewardship of this area ensure that the natural beauty and heritage of the land are preserved for future generations, making it a must-visit destination for wine enthusiasts and cultural explorers alike.

     

    Looking ahead, the 30th anniversary of the Te Mata Special Character Zone is a moment to reflect on its achievements and envision the future. The zone’s ongoing success in protecting and promoting the unique qualities of Te Mata’s wines serves as an inspiration for other regions and industries. As we celebrate this milestone, we look forward to seeing how the continued stewardship of Te Mata will shape the future of New Zealand wine, ensuring that it remains a beacon of excellence and innovation on the global stage.

     

  • Companion Planting Updates

    By

    Spring has truly arrived in the Te Mata Estate character zone, and the vineyards are bursting with life. Between the vines, a carpet of mustard seed, tick bean, and phacelia is in full flower, bringing vibrant colour to the rows. These companion plantings aren’t just beautiful – they play a vital role in our organic and regenerative viticulture practices, supporting the vineyard ecosystem while setting the stage for another remarkable vintage.

    Walking through the vines right now, you’ll see clouds of bees from local Arataki hives busy at work, moving from blossom to blossom. Their presence is a living sign of the biodiversity we encourage here. By planting species like phacelia, which bees love, we’re not only improving pollination but also strengthening the resilience of the vineyard as a whole. The hum of activity is a reminder that healthy vineyards are alive with more than just grapes.

     

     

    These cover crops do more than attract beneficial insects. Tick beans, for example, naturally fix nitrogen into the soil, while mustard seed helps manage pests and disease pressure. Phacelia’s deep roots aerate the soil, improving structure and water retention. Together, they boost soil health in a natural, sustainable way, reducing the need for intervention and keeping the vineyard in balance.

    At Te Mata Estate, we’ve always combined time-honoured techniques with innovative approaches, and our spring cover crops are a perfect expression of that philosophy. By weaving organics, regenerative viticulture, and biodiversity into the fabric of our vineyard, we’re not only caring for the land but also crafting wines that carry the character of a thriving, living environment. Right now, the vineyard is alive with colour, life, and promise – the perfect start to the season ahead.

     

     

     

  • A Lighter Choice

    By

    For Te Mata Estate, innovation and responsibility have always gone hand in hand. The winery has been part of the Hawke’s Bay landscape for more than 130 years, and throughout that time it has taken a practical, long term view of how wine should be made and presented. That outlook has been shaped by leadership within the wider wine industry as well.

    John Buck, former chairman of the New Zealand Wine Institute and a Fellow of Wine who was later awarded a CBE for services to wine, helped guide the national industry during its modern development. Today CEO Nick Buck, a former chairman of Hawke’s Bay Winegrowers, continues that tradition of involvement. With that perspective comes a sense that wineries should take responsibility not just for the wine itself, but for how it is produced and packaged.

     

    One of the distinctive things about Te Mata Estate is that the winery has always bottled its wines on site. The original winery buildings are still in use today, making the estate a true vine to glass operation. Grapes are grown, fermented, matured and bottled at the same historic property before being shipped out through the Port of Napier to markets around the world. A small bottling line, run by a dedicated full time team, allows careful oversight of every stage of the process. That level of control makes it easier to make thoughtful decisions about materials, including the bottles themselves.

    For more than fifteen years Te Mata Estate has used recycled glass and lighter weight bottles wherever possible. The environmental benefits are clear. Producing and transporting glass has a carbon footprint, and lighter bottles reduce the weight that needs to be moved across the world. For a winery that exports more than half of its production overseas, those small differences add up in a meaningful way.

    There is also a stylistic element to it. In some parts of the wine world, very heavy bottles have become a way of signalling prestige or importance. But weight does not improve what is in the glass. At Te Mata Estate the view has long been that wine should stand on its own merits. A lighter bottle feels more refined and more honest, letting the wine itself carry the message rather than relying on packaging to create an impression.

    Te Mata has also always been an exporting winery. As early as 1909 it was the largest exporter of wine in New Zealand, and today its wines are sold in more than forty countries. With that global outlook comes an awareness of shipping and logistics. Every bottle leaving Hawke’s Bay travels a long distance to reach its destination, so reducing weight wherever possible is a simple and sensible step.

    The estate works with glass supplier O I, whose bottles include recycled glass and are part of a circular recycling system. Glass can be recycled again and again without losing quality, which makes it one of the most sustainable packaging materials available. For Te Mata Estate, choosing lighter recycled glass is simply a continuation of the same philosophy that has guided the winery for generations: careful stewardship, practical innovation, and a focus on doing things properly from vine to glass.

    Further reading
    https://www.o-i.com/
    https://www.o-i.com/sustainability/

  • Beyond Biodynamics

    By

    At Te Mata Estate we do use organic and biodynamic techniques, alongside traditional winemaking. We’re also known for regenerative and precision viticulture.

     

    For us it’s a ‘toolkit’ approach we use – one where we have to see the results in the glass, This time of year our preparations are made up.

    In this picture viticulturist Brenton O’Riley shows new vineyard staff our process.

     

     

     

     

     


    Images courtesy of Te Mata Estate Vineyard Manager @carlgundersen

     

  • Wine Advocate x Te Mata Estate

    By

    2023 Te Mata Estate Bullnose Syrah – RP 94

    The 2023 Bullnose Syrah leads with crushed rocks and rose petals, pomegranate pearls, raspberry and a shading of tapenade. In the mouth, the wine is silky and medium-bodied, more leafy than in previous vintages but leaning toward dried herbs rather than anything indicating “greenness.” A casing of dark chocolate or powdered cocoa is like a gossamer sheath over the fruit and is very attractive. As ever, this is an impressive wine from this Cabernet-focused house in Hawke’s Bay. As usual, the tannins are chalky and supple through the middle palate, and they serve to define the finish

     

    2022 Te Mata Estate Coleraine – RP 97+

    The 2022 Coleraine is a blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc. On the nose, the wine shows its sweet creamy oak, a cavalcade of dark fruit and an array of spices. The wine is powdery and ultra fine, with a gravelly score of tannin woven through the finish. A spectacular wine, it’s still looking so primary and young at this early stage. I note the total acidity is akin to the 2013 vintage, and it serves to add an extra layer of freshness to the finish—a little uptick to close, if you will. This is awesome. It gets better every time I taste it.

     

    2021 Te Mata Estate Coleraine – RP 98

    The 2021 Coleraine is the third in a trio of great vintages and comprises a blend of 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot and 12% Cabernet Franc. The bouquet is all bramble and spice, with fresh grated nutmeg, a hint of star anise, raw cocoa, raspberry seed, cassis, new leather and iodine. There is also a crushed oyster shell aspect here that I find most appealing. On the palate, the tannins make their presence felt in a register of tactile chewiness and encourage movement and thought. Ultimately, while I find this vintage to be stylistically aligned with 2020, it is very different in its final impact. It feels to me as if 2021 harnesses the structure and intrigue of 2019 with the creamy lushness of 2020 and puts them together in a burst of balance. This wine is like a star coming into existence—there’s a bang, a burst of light and a settling period—and it’s astoundingly good.

     

    2020 Te Mata Estate Coleraine – RP 97

    If the 2019 Coleraine got you going, then the 2020 will do just the same, albeit at a different speed. Where the 2019 is evolving into a spicy, elegant, medium-bodied affair, the 2020 Coleraine is all silk, creamy finesse and power. It offers abundant fruit, the oak framing is creamy and soft and the tannins are ductile and firm, fully ensconced in the fruit—embossed into it, even. The wine is chewy with pouch tobacco, graphite, raspberry seed, saffron, raw cocoa and nori sheets. It makes me say, “Yes, yes and yes again.” The choice between 2019 and 2020 is purely going to be based on your mood: 2020 will soothe, while 2019 will stoke.

     

    2019 Te Mata Estate Coleraine – RP 97+

    The 2019 Coleraine offers a kaleidoscopic spectrum of complexity here, with sweet tobacco, graphite, nori, iodine, fresh blood, pomegranate molasses, layers of cassis, dark chocolate, raspberry seed and sweet roasted beetroot. This is the wine at its most complete; there is everything from leaf, earth, fruit and spice. An array of characters that harness an equal array of emotions is ultimately a wine I want to drink and enjoy. Without a doubt, this is New Zealand’s greatest Cabernet blend, and it more than holds its own on a global stage. It’s super and comes warmly recommended.

     

    2018 Te Mata Estate Coleraine – RP 97+

    The 2018 Coleraine is supple and silky. A cavalcade of red and brown notes tumbles forth across the palate, with pomegranate molasses, nutmeg, layers of cassis, bramble, mahogany and raspberry seed. The wine is incredibly fresh, and it’s starting to offer notes of attractive development, albeit at a very slow pace. This 2018 today is the window into both youth and evolution; we can see where it started, in its fete of vibrant youth and energy, but we can also see where it is going, and both views offer pleasure.

     

    2013 Te Mata Estate Coleraine – RP 97

    The 2013 Coleraine comprises 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 14% Cabernet Franc. Aromatically, the wine offers saturated purple berries with cassis, licorice/aniseed, raspberry seeds and dark chocolate. On the palate, it exhibits all the chalkiness that defines its success, making it feel both pliable and ductile in its texture, akin to the texture of raw cocoa (fine, powdery, chalky a little grippy/gravelly). It’s excellent. Lovely fresh acidity through the finish lifts it into the register of graphite/lead pencil.

     

    2007 Te Mata Estate Coleraine – RP 95

    The 2007 Coleraine is silky and chalky on the palate, with redcurrants, pink peppercorns, a sway of hung deli meat and raw cocoa and layers of graphite and cooling minerals. It is distinctly savory, light and fine. The wine’s defining and most attractive feature is its tannic structure, neatly tucked into the oak, which at this point, and at all points of its evolution, feels seamlessly supportive. It doesn’t have some of the complexity of the younger vintages, yet it remains a beautiful wine. The blend is 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot and 14% Cabernet Franc.

     

    1992 Te Mata Estate Bullnose Syrah – RP 94

    The 1992 Bullnose Syrah was Winemaker Phil Brodie’s first vintage at Te Mata, and the wine is all cocoa, dark chocolate, hung deli meat, clove, star anise and nutmeg. It has evolved into an older wine today; however, the palate remains silky and fine, tempered by cracked autumn leaves, pomegranate molasses, tapenade, lotus leaf, sweet tobacco and crushed gravels. Chalky tannins have been all but decimated by time and are now fully embossed into the fruit. It has blood orange and sweet, smoky marrow through the finish.

     

    1991 Te Mata Estate Coleraine – RP 95

    The 1991 Coleraine is now 34 years from its harvest, and the wine coincides with Winemaker Phil Brodie’s arrival at Te Mata. While he had no part in the picking and assemblage, he was here to play a part in its final composition and bottling. While the 1982 featured a portion of American oak—owing mainly to the fact that French oak was, at that time, in short supply—this 1991 is 100% French. On the nose, the wine gives us dried rose petal, summer rain/petrichor, pressed sandalwood, cocoa, autumn leaves and pomegranate molasses. The wine today exhibits all the same tannic structure and texture of the current-day Coleraines, further emphasizing to me this wine’s greatness, its aptitude for graceful aging and my confidence in it as a true fine wine of the world. The bottle I tasted was opened five hours ago, and it remains in condition all this time later. It has not fallen over, and the wine will have many years left in it, I am sure. This is another great Coleraine experience.

     

  • NZ Poet Laureate becomes Commonwealth Laureate

    By

    For the first time in its 75-year history, the Commonwealth of Nations has a Poet Laureate. 
    Te Mata Estate founded the NZ laureate position in 1996.

    Posted on 30/06/2025 by Commonwealth Foundation

    Award-winning Pacific writer Professor Selina Tusitala Marsh ONZM, FRSNZ has been appointed by the Director-General of the Commonwealth Foundation, Dr Anne T. Gallagher AO, to the brand-new, two-year post, placing creative expression at the heart of the Commonwealth’s work.

    Selina Tusitala Marsh is the history-making first-ever Commonwealth Poet Laureate and will serve in this role until 31 May 2027. As Poet Laureate, Marsh will work on behalf of the entire Commonwealth family, connecting its 2.7 billion citizens through poetry. She will craft original poems for flagship Commonwealth events including Commonwealth Day, the Commonwealth People’s Forum, and Ministerial and Heads of Government Meetings. 

    Professor Marsh will also advise on the Commonwealth Foundation’s creative programming—as the principal agency for Commonwealth culture—and will appear in person at the Commonwealth People’s Forum and the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Antigua & Barbuda in 2026.

    Read the Commonwealth Poet Laureate’s Inaugural poem ‘Uncommon Banyan’

    Amplifying the people’s voice through art 

    From performing for Queen Elizabeth II at Westminster Abbey to mentoring new writers across the Pacific, Marsh has demonstrated how poetry can travel from palace to village hall—and back again—carrying urgent conversations about identity, climate justice, and belonging. Her appointment signals a major step in the Foundation’s drive to ‘turn supporters into change-makers’ by connecting hearts, challenging assumptions, and awaken imaginations through creativity and storytelling.  

    Selina Tusitala Marsh on her appointment 

    ‘I am deeply honoured to accept this role as the inaugural Commonwealth Poet Laureate. In Samoan, we say “O le tele o sulu e maua ai figota” – “The more torches we have, the more fish we can catch”. Poetry is our torch, illuminating paths between our diverse cultures and histories.’

    ‘The Māori proverb from Aotearoa New Zealand goes “He toi whakairo, he mana tangata” – “Where there is artistic excellence, there is human dignity.” This profound truth guides my vision for this role. Through the elevation of our creative voices, we affirm our shared humanity across the Commonwealth. When we honour the artistry within our communities— whether it flows from Samoa, my mother’s island, or New Zealand, where I was born and grew up—we recognise the inherent dignity and worth of every person whose story deserves to be told.’

    ‘When Her Majesty charged me with fostering unity through verse in 2016, I felt the weight and wonder of words that bridge worlds. Today, I accept this torch with alofa (love) and renewed commitment to amplify the voices that heal, challenge, and unite our Commonwealth family. Together, we will kindle more torches, casting light on the stories that connect us all, celebrating the artistic excellence that affirms our collective human dignity.’

    Dr Anne T. Gallagher AO, Director-General, Commonwealth Foundation 

    ‘It is through poetry that we can learn best about ourselves and each other. Poetry helps us make sense of our fragile world. It is the language of love and dreams, the language of despair and desire, of protest and rebellion. At the Commonwealth, we have come to understand that poetry – indeed creativity in all its forms – is not an embellishment of the Commonwealth story—it is a catalyst for justice, understanding, and hope. Selina Tusitala Marsh embodies that truth. Her poetry travels effortlessly from the smallest community to the global stage: illuminating the concerns and aspirations of our 2.7 billion citizens and challenging all of us to listen more closely. There could be no finer inaugural Commonwealth Poet Laureate.’ 

    Hon Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, Commonwealth Secretary-General 

    ‘It is with great pleasure that I congratulate the first Commonwealth poet laureate, Selina Tusitala Marsh, and applaud the Commonwealth Foundation for this bold initiative. Our boundless appreciation for culture, in all its diversity and richness, is one of the things that bind us together as people of the Commonwealth. Aside from being entertaining, art helps to illuminate important issues, galvanise action, nurtures inclusive societies, offers economic opportunity and preserves our identities. We must celebrate its importance.’

    Professor Tusitala Marsh with Commonwealth Secretary-General Hon Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey and Commonwealth Foundation Director-General Dr Anne T. Gallagher AO at the Commonwealth Headquarters in Marlborough House, London

    About Professor Selina Tusitala Marsh 

    Marsh’s connection with the Commonwealth dates back to 2016, when she recited one of her poems at the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey. Most recently, she co-hosted the Commonwealth People’s Forum in Samoa.

    Marsh previously served as New Zealand Poet Laureate from 2017 to 2019. She has published three award-winning collections of poetry and created the bestselling graphic memoir series Mophead, which swept New Zealand’s book awards in 2020, including the prestigious Margaret Mahy Book of the Year.  Marsh was the first Pacific Islander to earn a PhD in English from the University of Auckland, where she now lectures in Pacific Poetry and Creative Writing and co-directs the Centre for Arts and Social Transformation, championing arts-led approaches to justice, health, and well-being. 

    • Background: Samoan, Tuvaluan, English, Scottish, and French heritage; born in Auckland, 1971. 

    • Publications: Three acclaimed poetry collections (Fast Talking PI, Dark Sparring, Tightrope) and the multi-award-winning graphic memoir series Mophead. 

    • Honours: Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (2019); Fellow of the Royal Society of New Zealand (2019). en.wikipedia.org 

    • Performance highlights: Commonwealth Day Service (2016); Poetry Parnassus at the London Olympics (2012). poetryarchive.org 

    Download a full biography and pictures of Professor Selina Tusitala Marsh here.

    About the Commonwealth Foundation 

    The Commonwealth Foundation is one of the three intergovernmental pillars of the Commonwealth of Nations, explicitly mandated by its member countries to advance the interests of Commonwealth civil society. Upholding a firm commitment to the principles and ideals of the Commonwealth, the Foundation seeks to nurture the growth of vibrant and free societies: championing the active and constructive participation of people in all aspects of governance. 

    Contact: Leo Kiss, Communications Manager, Commonwealth Foundation – [email protected]

  • Top NZ Wineries 2025

    By

    Amazing to be recognised again among NZ’s Top Wineries for 2025!

    Congratulations to our team! This achievement – published by @therealrvw – reflects a profound amount of work. We’re proud be rising through the ranks, building on what we do everyday.

    Link to the full 2025 list here.

    All our current releases are available here.

    Cape Crest 2023 is available now

  • 2023 – New Frontiers

    By

    2023 will be a lesson in “never count your chickens before they’re hatched.” It was a season that took Te Mata to new frontiers, and one we can’t wait to share with you.

     

    An extreme year setting new records on multiple fronts, 2023 was the:

    • longest growing season ever (budburst to harvest +10% longer than LTA)
    • Lowest yielding (-30% on LTA)
    • Smallest berry size ever
    • 2nd Hottest
    • Wettest
    • Longest harvest period (53 days)
    • Most expensive (+50% on LTA)

    and, had a historic cyclone (Gabrielle) in mid-February thrown into the mix.

    The extraordinary conditions produced some extreme results in the wines:

    The best performers were Cabernet Sauvignon, and its associated blending partners of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, (which all had stellar results, and will produce amongst the greatest wines ever at Te Mata Estate) within the red wines, and Sauvignon Blanc amongst the whites. Syrah was also very strong. It is important to note that all of these are late varieties which were unripe and unaffected when mid-February’s cyclone hit Hawke’s Bay. In fact, the last of these were harvested in mid-April, a full two months later.

    Unsurprisingly, the most difficult wines were from the earliest ripening varieties; Pinot Noir (Te Mata Estate did not harvest a single Pinot Noir grape in 2023), with Gamay Noir and Chardonnay also impacted (yields of these down more than 50% to achieve quality).

    Spring was early, following another very mild winter, with another early budburst repeating the early starts of the recent five years (if this trend continues, we may have to re-evaluate what we consider as early). The early start can mean increased frost fighting, but this year saw only a few frosty nights and no damage from any of these. At this point, the long-term weather forecasts were indicating a warm and wet “El Nino” season, and these conditions really began to manifest in the late spring and early summer, prompting significant canopy growth. Flowering was strong, with a record number of flower clusters suggesting a high-yielding harvest.  We responded by increasing planting of inter-row crops to extract soil moisture, opened up the vine canopies to the maximum extent with extensive shoot removal and full leaf plucking.

    The overcast, humid conditions continued, so in late December we took extreme action; severely reducing yield, mechanically shaking all vines, and dramatically increasing spraying. It was an enormous workload, but these vineyard interventions had a tremendous impact on the final fruit quality. Together with the weather conditions, they dramatically constrained berry development leading to very small grapes with thick skins, assisting to withstand disease and splitting. This was vitally important as February brought record rainfall with Gabrielle and two other notable rain events. Thankfully, the main cyclone impact was north of us and, with all our vineyards being on higher, free-draining ground, we sustained little direct damage.

     

     

    Harvest commenced in the last week of February, beginning in tricky circumstances as the early varieties had varying degrees of condition requiring very strict selection and careful handling. Thankfully the weather had cleared and held dry, fine and steady throughout the entirety of the two-month harvest period. Once the earliest harvests were over, the remaining varieties reaped the full benefit of the sustained fine autumn weather – hanging on and on towards full ripeness in clear, warm autumn sunlight.

    The resulting wines are quite remarkable. Cabernet Sauvignon is the undoubted star of the vintage with intense concentration, bright ink-black colours, huge extract, beautiful ripeness (generally 24 brix), and great length. Merlot and Cabernet Franc are likewise brilliant. These will produce amazing blends. The Sauvignon Blancs are amongst the finest ever at Te Mata, and the Syrahs are likewise showing very strong. These wines will astound, and especially so considering the generally poor expectations of a growing season that was written-off before the first grapes were even picked.

    2023 will be a lesson in “never count your chickens before they’re hatched.” It was a season that took Te Mata to new frontiers, and one we can’t wait to share with you.

     

    Download the Technical Report from Te Mata Estate here.

Join the Club

Join the Te Mata Club