Te Mata Estate has once again drawn high praise from the international wine press, with critic Christina Pickard of Wine Enthusiast awarding standout scores to four wines from the 2024 vintage. Writing in September 2026, Pickard singled out the historic Hawke’s Bay producer for the consistency and quality of its range, from its entry point wines through to its flagship label. The results reaffirm Te Mata’s standing as one of New Zealand’s most decorated wineries, a reputation built over 130 years of continuous, family owned winemaking.
Te Mata Estate, New Zealand’s oldest family-owned winery, marked its 130th anniversary with a strong showing from Wine Enthusiast in September 2026. Critic Christina Pickard scored four wines from the 2024 vintage between 94 and 98 points. Bullnose Syrah led the ratings at 98 points, followed by Coleraine at 97, Estate Syrah at 95, and Awatea at 94, spanning Te Mata’s entry-level and flagship Hawke’s Bay wines.
At a glance
| Wine | Score | Style |
|---|---|---|
| Bullnose ’24 | 98 points | Syrah |
| Coleraine ’24 | 97 points | Cabernet-dominant Bordeaux blend |
| Estate Syrah ’24 | 95 points | Syrah |
| Awatea ’24 | 94 points | Merlot Cabernet blend |
Taken together, the four scores, ranging from 94 to 98 points, underline the depth and range of Te Mata’s portfolio, spanning an accessible entry level Syrah through to a cellar defining Bordeaux blend. Each wine reflects the estate’s hand harvested, small batch approach to winemaking, and the meticulous vineyard work carried out across its nine Hawke’s Bay sub-regions.
For a winery marking its 130th anniversary, this run of reviews serves as a timely reminder of why Te Mata continues to be regarded among the finest producers not just in New Zealand, but on the world stage. It is a fitting tribute to generations of stewardship, from the vineyard through to the glass.
Bullnose ’24 — 98 points
Pickard called Bullnose “gorgeously complete,” comparing it to a top Northern Rhone Syrah with New Zealand character, at a fraction of the price. She noted it has room to evolve over many years, crediting Te Mata’s role in pioneering New Zealand Syrah.
Coleraine ’24 — 97 points
The review marked the wine’s 40th anniversary vintage, describing the Cabernet-dominant Bordeaux blend as “classic iron fist-in-velvet glove,” with distinct sense of place. Pickard said it drinks well now and over the next several decades.
Estate Syrah ’24 — 95 points
Pickard called Estate Syrah an excellent introduction to Te Mata’s style, praising it as outstanding value for the price.
Awatea ’24 — 94 points
The Merlot Cabernet blend earned praise for elegance and complexity, with textural tannins and supple fruit expected to age gracefully for 15 to 20 years.
FAQ
What is Te Mata Estate’s highest-scoring 2024 wine?
Bullnose Syrah 2024 scored the highest, at 98 points from Wine Enthusiast.
Where is Te Mata Estate located?
Te Mata Estate is in Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand, and has been family-owned since 1974, continuously operating since 1896.
Are Te Mata wines available in the United States?
[Insert distribution/retail detail here — U.S. availability, importer name, or retailer links strengthen this for U.S. search intent.]
