A ‘Bordeaux style’ red blend from Hawke’s Bay, that changes composition depending on the vintage – the ’15 being Cabernet Sauvignon (54%), Merlot (36%) and Cabernet Franc (10%). A slightly ruddy black colour in the glass- just a flash of purple at the edges. A bouquet of blackcurrant, cherry, woody herbs, damson, marzipan, strawberry, graphite and bramble, with a lift of lavender and violets on top. Very focussed, very elegant, into the dry, medium-bodied palate. Tannins are powdery but grippy, matched to a sprinkling of toasty oak – all very fine and low volume, the palate speaking with a quiet restraint. The fruit has a youthful lushness filling the mouth, giving a more opulent turn, and merging into a soft texture as the wine develops in the glass. The finish has good length and is well-polished. 95pts
Te Mata Coleraine 2015
