Te Mata Elston Chardonnay 2022

Region and Vineyards

Hawke's Bay, on the eastern coast of New Zealand's North Island, is one of the country's oldest and most esteemed wine regions. Its maritime climate, with long warm summers and mild autumns, provides excellent conditions for the slow ripening of Chardonnay, enhancing complexity and natural acidity. The region's soils are varied, ranging from river gravels to clay and limestone, offering winemakers an exceptional palette of terroirs.

The fruit for Elston Chardonnay 2022 is sourced exclusively from Te Mata Estate's own vineyards in the Woodthorpe Terraces, Bridge Pa Triangle, and Havelock Hills. These sites combine free-draining alluvial gravels with more elevated hillside plantings, balancing richness and tension. The vineyards are sustainably managed and estate-owned, ensuring precise viticultural control. This estate-grown approach underscores the authenticity and consistency that Te Mata, established in 1896, has long championed.

Winemaking

Elston Chardonnay 2022 is made entirely from Chardonnay grapes, handpicked between February 20 and March 12. The winemaking philosophy combines traditional Burgundian influences with modern precision. Fermentation was split between stainless steel tanks and oak barrels: the tank component preserving vibrant aromatics and fruit purity, while the barrel portion added depth and complexity.

Partial malolactic fermentation softened the acidity and contributed to the creamy texture, while maturation in oak barrels introduced subtle notes of toast and brioche. The integration of these elements creates a wine that is layered, expressive, and true to both its terroir and vintage. With 13% alcohol, 5.9 g/L of total acidity, and a pH of 3.58, it maintains excellent balance between ripeness and freshness.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Vibrant white-gold with youthful luminosity.
• Aroma: Fresh lemon blossom and concentrated white peach, with lifted florals complemented by hints of toast and brioche from barrel fermentation.
• Palate: Ripe stone fruits and creamy mascarpone richness mingle with notes of macadamia nut, all carried by precise acidity. A flick of salinity enhances the lingering, refreshing finish.

Did you know?

Te Mata Estate is New Zealand's oldest continuously operating winery, founded in 1896, and remains family-owned to this day. Elston Chardonnay, first produced in 1984, was one of New Zealand's pioneering barrel-fermented Chardonnays, setting a benchmark for premium expressions of the variety.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Grilled crayfish with lemon butter: The wine's freshness and subtle oak complement the sweetness and richness of the shellfish.
• Roast chicken with herbs and garlic: The creamy palate and nutty notes mirror the succulence of roast poultry.
• Seared scallops with cauliflower purée: The interplay of salinity and ripe fruit balances the sweet, delicate flavours of scallops.
• Pork tenderloin with apple and sage: The wine's acidity cuts through the richness of the meat while harmonising with apple's natural sweetness.

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.