Te Mata
Coleraine

Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot

2008

SKU NBCTMC1422

Country: New Zealand
Region: Hawkes Bay
Varietal: Cabernet Dominant
Type: Red
Volume: 750

Wine Secrets

5 Stars - Decanter, September 2010

Released 1/3/10.

The much heralded 2008 promises to be every bit as good as the 2007. First released in 1982, Coleraine is arguably the most iconic Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot-based red in New Zealand.

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.

The grapes for Coleraine ’08 were hand harvested from their separate plots within Te Mata Estate’s vineyards between 29 March and 4 April 2008. These individual parcels of grapes were destemmed before a traditional warm, plunged fermentation and extended maceration on skins. The resulting wines were then run to predominantly new French oak barrels for 20 months’ maturation. Throughout this time, they were regularly topped and racked. The separate wines were blended in January 2009, then egg white fined during their second winter in barrel. The finished wine was then bottled in December 2009.

Coleraine ’08 has a deep magenta colour with lifted aromas of roses, blackcurrant syrup and dark chocolate. The palate shows great intensity with assertive dark fruit flavours, espresso and spice underpinned by firm tannins giving structure to the long finish.

Coleraine ’08 is a blend of 53% cabernet sauvignon, 28% merlot, and 19% cabernet franc. It will continue to develop in bottle and provide great enjoyment between 6 and 12 years from harvest.

Freight
Taupo free delivery
1-2 bottles $6.00 (all NZ)
North Island:
$8.00 per case,
South Island:
$10 per case,

Wine Secrets

$72.90