Modern Te Mata Estate is led by CEO Nick Buck (pictured) and Senior Winemaker Phil Brodie (pictured below), who oversee our approach to winemaking. Read an insight from former Te Mata Estate Chairman John Buck (CNZM for Services to Wine and the Arts) on why the estate’s meticulous method is so distinctive.
‘Breed, rather than brute power, is the hallmark of Coleraine, estate-grown in the Havelock North Hills and matured in French oak barriques, predominantly new. This notably graceful red is a blend of cabernet sauvignon (80%), merlot (15%) and cabernet franc (5%). Dark and purple-flushed, it is mouthfilling with dense, well-ripened blackcurrent, plum and spice flavours, oak complexity, and a finely structured, very harmonious finish. Best drinking 2030+ (13.5% alc/vol).’ Michael Cooper, The Listener 2025
In the realm of fine wine, Coleraine is Te Mata’s crowning jewel – a cabernet sauvignon that embodies the essenceof the variety’s title: The King of Grapes.The latest vintage, 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 structureand a power that feels both balanced and commanding.
“The rating is based on aggregated critic scores across all vintages listed by Wine Searcher … and Coleraine is, indeed, NZ’s best wine” – Don Kavanagh. Editor, Wine Searcher. We are honoured to have our team recognised for their efforts.
Now retired, Peter was formerly the Technical Director at Te Mata Estate. One of New Zealand‘s leading winemakers and was a key figure in the development of Te Mata Estate’s culture of wine excellence. Peter describes himself as “a lover of old vineyards and the wines they produce, and fairly old Japanese motorcycles”.
Starting Monday 21st February our new harvest is underway. Plain-sailing so far. Our thanks, as always, to our amazing picking crew!
“Unbelievably good. Young, but the potential is overwhelmingly potent. Floral, nutty, intense small-berried fruit, cedar, anise and sweet herb.”
We have three new highland cattle! Living in the field outside our staff room and laboratory. They’re keeping everyone company and making themselves at home.
After three years of development Te Mata’s new fermentation wine room is online. The project makes use of the latest fine wine technology available.
John, Nick, Larry and Phil were chuffed to finally have their new vines out of the nursery and at the winery. All the way from France these are specialist cabrnet clones that will add to our blending potential.
