Tasting Notes 1991
1991 Coleraine is a blend of 59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot and 12% Cabernet Franc.
The wine has a deep crimson-purple colour, an aroma of coffee, spice and liquorice, with flavours of smoke and concentrated blackberries and blackcurrants, all supported by full, ripe tannins. Its ageing potential is 4-15 years.
Technical Analysis
pH: 3.55
Total acidity as tartaric: 5.6g/l
Alchohol:13%
Residual sugar: Dry
Winemaking
All the fruit was handpicked, with each block and variety being fermented separately, using a traditional plunged and macerated technique.
The finished wine was then aged in Bordeaux barriques for nineteen months, 75% of the barrels being new.
Vineyards
1991 Coleraine Cabernet/Merlot was harvested in early April.
Origin
Coleraine derives its name from the Coleraine vineyard, home of John and Wendy Buck of Te Mata Estate. John’s late grandfather was born in Coleraine in Northern Ireland and the name has been maintained through the family home 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.
“I conjectured whether this is New Zealand’s greatest wine? Well, let me put it this way, it is the frontrunner… a complex, intellectual entity that rewards long term cellaring year after year.”Neal Martin's Wine Journal, May 2008 All Reviews
