Te Mata Bullnose Syrah 2019

Region and Vineyards

The Te Mata Bullnose Syrah 2019 is sourced from some of the finest Syrah blocks in Hawke’s Bay, including the Bullnose, Hotspur, and Isosceles vineyards. The Bullnose vineyard, first planted in 1990, sits on old red iron-rich soils that contribute to the wine’s structure and intensity. These soils, combined with the warm maritime climate of Hawke’s Bay, allow the Syrah grapes to ripen slowly, developing depth and complexity while retaining bright acidity.

The 2019 vintage was particularly favorable, with warm, dry conditions that enabled the grapes to reach full ripeness. This provided the perfect balance of fruit concentration and tannin structure, resulting in a wine with both power and elegance.

Winemaking

The grapes for the 2019 Bullnose Syrah were hand-harvested between 3 and 17 April 2019, ensuring optimal ripeness. After destemming, the fruit underwent a traditional warm-plunged fermentation, followed by an extended maceration on the skins to enhance color, tannins, and flavor extraction. The wine was then transferred to French oak barrels—a combination of new and seasoned oak—for 14 months of maturation.

During this period, the wine was regularly topped and racked, ensuring the full integration of flavors and structure. A small amount of malolactic fermentation added to the wine’s creamy texture and overall balance. The wine was bottled in October 2020, following its extended aging in oak​.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Brilliant amethyst with a deep, dark core.
• Aroma: The nose reveals a mix of raspberry, black cherry, and dried strawberry, intertwined with floral notes of violet and spicy hints of black pepper and liquorice.
• Palate: The palate is rich and opulent, with flavors of plum, blackberry, and dark chocolate, complemented by notes of lilac, baking spices, and sandalwood. The texture is velvety, with ripe tannins providing structure and balance. The wine finishes long and complex, with both intensity and refinement.
• Finish: Elegant and long, marked by fine-grained tannins and a spicy, lingering aftertaste.

Did You Know?

The name Bullnose is derived from a vintage Morris Cowley car, affectionately nicknamed “Bullnose” because of its distinctive radiator design. The emblem of the bull on the label comes from the car's radiator crest, adding a touch of history and character to the wine​.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Grilled lamb chops: The richness of the lamb pairs beautifully with the wine’s bold dark fruit and spicy notes, enhancing the savory flavors.
• Roast duck with plum sauce: The wine’s plum and blackberry flavors complement the sweet and savory elements of the dish, creating a harmonious pairing.
• Charcuterie: The velvety tannins and rich palate are perfect alongside a plate of cured meats and aged cheeses, balancing the fat with the wine’s structure.
• Peppered steak: The wine’s peppery spice and dark fruit work well with the robust flavors of a pepper-crusted steak, bringing out the meat’s savory elements.

History of Te Mata Estate

The estate’s origins date back to 1896, when John Chambers planted the first vineyards on the Havelock Hills in Hawke’s Bay. Initially, the focus was on Bordeaux-style red varietals, and Te Mata quickly became a pioneering force in the New Zealand wine industry. In 1974, the estate was acquired by the Buck family, marking a new era for Te Mata.

Under the leadership of John Buck, a prominent figure in modern New Zealand winemaking, the estate introduced Coleraine in 1982. Named after Buck’s ancestral home in Northern Ireland, Coleraine became one of the country’s most iconic Bordeaux blends, setting new standards for winemaking in New Zealand. Buck also expanded Te Mata’s wine portfolio with the introduction of Elston Chardonnay in 1984 and Bullnose Syrah in the 1990s.

In 1990, the purchase of Woodthorpe Terraces brought additional diversity to Te Mata’s vineyards. Today, the estate remains a multi-generational family business, with Nicholas and Toby Buck continuing the family legacy. The estate’s success is built on a combination of traditional winemaking techniques and innovative practices, with a focus on producing wines that express the unique terroir of Hawke’s Bay.

Region and Vineyards

Te Mata Estate’s vineyards are situated in some of Hawke’s Bay’s most renowned subregions, including the Havelock Hills, Bridge Pā Triangle, and Gimblett Gravels. The region's warm maritime climate and diverse soils provide the ideal conditions for producing Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, and Chardonnay.

The estate’s Woodthorpe Terraces, located at a higher altitude with cooler temperatures, adds complexity to its range, particularly in Elston Chardonnay. The red iron-rich soils of Bullnose and the alluvial gravels of Gimblett Gravels contribute to the distinct character of Te Mata’s wines, reflecting the unique qualities of Hawke’s Bay terroir.

Sustainability is a core value at Te Mata, and the winery is fully accredited by Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand (SWNZ). All of the estate’s wines are made from estate-grown grapes, ensuring control over the entire production process, from vine to bottle.

Wine Range

Te Mata Estate’s wine portfolio showcases a range of premium wines, each reflecting the estate's commitment to quality and craftsmanship:

• Coleraine: Te Mata’s flagship wine and one of New Zealand’s most iconic Bordeaux blends, known for its complexity, elegance, and ability to age.
• Elston Chardonnay: A rich, complex Chardonnay that has become a benchmark for New Zealand’s white wines.
• Bullnose Syrah: A single-vineyard Syrah with intense fruit and floral-spice notes, crafted from old red iron soils in Hawke’s Bay.
• Awatea: A Bordeaux-style blend designed for earlier drinking, offering similar depth to Coleraine but with softer tannins.
• Estate Vineyards Series: A collection of wines that provide an excellent introduction to Te Mata’s style, representing the diversity of the estate’s vineyards at a more accessible price point.

Did You Know?

Te Mata’s Coleraine was inspired by John Buck’s family heritage, taking its name from the Buck family’s ancestral home in Coleraine, Northern Ireland. The estate is also home to the Bullnose Syrah, named after the Morris Cowley Bullnose car owned by the Buck family, a nod to both history and innovation.

Te Mata is one of the few wineries in New Zealand that produces wines exclusively from estate-grown grapes, ensuring the utmost control over quality and reflecting the unique terroir of Hawke’s Bay.