Te Mata Coleraine 2021

Region and Vineyards

The grapes for Coleraine 2021 were sourced from Te Mata Estate’s historic vineyards in Hawke’s Bay, planted as early as 1892 in the Havelock Hills. Hawke’s Bay, located on the eastern coast of New Zealand’s North Island, benefits from a warm maritime climate, making it ideal for growing Bordeaux-style blends. The well-drained soils and the careful management of the vines allow for slow ripening, resulting in fruit that is both concentrated and balanced.

Coleraine was originally a single-vineyard wine until 1989. Today, it is an assemblage of the finest wines produced from several distinct plots within these old vineyards. The hand-harvested grapes were picked between March 9 and March 29, 2021, ensuring the highest quality fruit.

Winemaking

The 2021 Coleraine is an assemblage of 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, and 12% Cabernet Franc. Each parcel of grapes was hand-harvested and destemmed, followed by a traditional warm-plunged fermentation. After fermentation, the wine underwent an extended maceration on skins to enhance color, tannin, and flavor extraction.

The resulting wines were then transferred to predominantly new French oak barrels for 17 months of maturation. During this period, the wine was regularly topped and racked to allow full integration of the oak and the fruit. The final blend was created in December 2021 and bottled in December 2022, resulting in a wine with complexity, structure, and balance.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep crimson with royal purple edges, indicating its vibrant character.
• Aroma: The wine exudes classic Hawke’s Bay Cabernet aromas of blackberry, blackcurrant, thyme, and cedar, intertwined with the signature Coleraine perfume of fresh roses.
• Palate: The palate offers a precise balance of richness and vibrant energy, displaying flavors of cassis, raspberry, mocha, and spice, along with a distinctive minerality that is unique to this vintage. The ripeness of the fruit seamlessly cloaks the chiselled tannins, creating a long, elegant finish.
• Finish: A powerful, long-lasting finish marked by perfume, finesse, and polished tannins.

Did You Know?

The name Coleraine originates from the Coleraine Vineyard, home of John and Wendy Buck of Te Mata Estate. The vineyard was named in honor of John Buck’s grandfather, who was born in Coleraine, Northern Ireland. Since its inception, Coleraine has evolved from a single-vineyard wine to an assemblage of Te Mata’s finest vineyards, symbolizing the pinnacle of Hawke’s Bay winemaking​.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Roast beef with rosemary and thyme: The robust structure and dark fruit of the Coleraine complement the savory flavors of roast beef, while the herbal notes enhance the rosemary and thyme.
• Grilled lamb chops: The tannic structure of the wine pairs well with the richness of lamb, and its fruitiness balances the smoky flavors of the grill.
• Aged cheddar: The complexity and depth of the wine are a perfect match for the sharp, nutty flavors of aged cheddar.
• Mushroom risotto: The earthy notes of mushroom risotto harmonize with the wine’s minerality and mocha undertones.

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.