Te Mata Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2022

Te Mata Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2022

 

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Te Mata
Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2022
  • Vintage : 2022
  • Country : New Zealand
  • Region : Hawkes Bay
  • Subregion :
  • Type : White
  • Style : Medium Bodied Aromatic Dry
  • Format : 75cl
  • Alcohol : 12,5°
  • Grappes : 100% Sauvignon Blanc

With a focus on elegance and clarity, the Estate Sauvignon Blanc is perfect for early enjoyment but has the potential to develop complexity with short-term aging.

Experts Score Vintage
JS James Suckling 92 2022
RP Robert Parker 92 2022
WE Wine Enthusiast 91 2020
More information on wine critics and ratings

Region and Vineyards

The grapes for Te Mata Estate Sauvignon Blanc were sourced from Te Mata’s own vineyards in Hawke’s Bay, specifically from the subregions of Bridge Pā Triangle, Dartmoor, and the Havelock Hills. These areas benefit from warm maritime climates and free-draining soils, which allow for the development of ripe fruit with balanced acidity. The vineyards are carefully managed to preserve the unique characteristics of the site, producing Sauvignon Blanc grapes of exceptional quality​.

Hawke’s Bay, situated on New Zealand’s North Island, is well-known for its long, warm growing seasons, ideal for creating wines with rich flavors and refreshing acidity. The diverse soil structures in the area, especially the alluvial soils of Bridge Pā, give the Sauvignon Blanc an expressive range of fruity and mineral qualities.

Winemaking

This vintage was crafted with minimal intervention to highlight the natural aromas and flavors of the Sauvignon Blanc grapes. The hand-harvested grapes were chilled and gently pressed, with the juice being cold-settled before fermentation. Fermentation occurred in stainless steel tanks, ensuring that the wine retains its bright fruit flavors and crisp acidity. This careful approach resulted in a wine that showcases the pure, fresh expression of Hawke’s Bay Sauvignon Blanc​.

Tasting Notes

  • Color: Clear, brilliant, and crystalline, with a vibrant pale golden hue.
  • Aroma: Aromas of lime, passionfruit, guava, and honeydew melon leap from the glass, providing a powerful representation of New Zealand's classic Sauvignon Blanc style.
  • Palate: Rich, layered, and juicy, with a moreish acidity that runs through the wine, leading to a refreshing, mouth-watering finish. Flavors of tropical fruits and citrus dominate, making the palate lively and vibrant.

Did You Know?

Te Mata Estate, established in 1896, is one of New Zealand’s oldest family-owned wineries and has become internationally recognized for its premium wines. The estate continues to produce wines exclusively from its historic vineyards, with a focus on creating wines that represent the best qualities of their variety and region​.

Wine Pairing Ideas

  • Salads with citrus vinaigrette: The wine’s citrus and tropical fruit flavors complement the freshness of salads, especially those with tangy dressings.
  • Seafood dishes: Perfect with dishes like grilled prawns or seared scallops, where the acidity and brightness of the wine enhance the delicate flavors of the seafood.
  • Sushi: The wine’s acidity balances the umami richness of sushi, while its tropical fruit notes complement the freshness of the fish.
  • Lightly spiced Asian cuisine: The fruity and refreshing character of the Sauvignon Blanc pairs well with mildly spiced dishes, like Vietnamese spring rolls or Thai green curry​.

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.

James Suckling (JS) : 92 Points (2022)
An inviting nose of green apples, pears, lime and dragon fruit. Medium-bodied with supple texture. Elegant and refined with an array of fresh apple and citrus fruit and a succinct finish. Sustainable.

Robert Parker (RP) : 92 Points (2022)
The 2022 Estate Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc has been fully tank fermented, no solids, but it was left on the lees post-ferment for texture. There are notes of cheesecloth, pineapple lumps, Pink Lady apples and saline acidity. It’s fleshy, with preserved citrus, juicy acidity and plenty of brine, then sugar snap peas, Nashi pears and a hint of guava/lychee. The fruit was sourced totally from the estate vineyards in Hawkes Bay; Havelock Hills, Gimblett Gravels and Dartmoor. 12.7% alcohol.

Wine Enthusiast (WE) : 91 Points (2020)
This Hawke’s Bay wine from historic Te Mata winery is a few bucks more than your average New Zealand SB. It’s worth every penny. With depth and balance, it opens with notes of lime zest, fresh peach, beeswax, bell pepper and heaps of dried green herbs. Roll this around on your tongue for a while and savor all those fruity, herbal flavors rumbling around amid a chalky mouthfeel and crisp acidity. It’s very young still but a few more months in the bottle should settle it down nicely.

Te Mata Awatea 2018
Te Mata Awatea 2018
Te Mata
Awatea 2018
RP
93
WE
95
VN
92
The Te Mata Awatea Cabernet Merlot 2018 is a sophisticated blend from Hawke’s Bay, offering vibrant fruit, structure, and elegance, making it a classic example of New Zealand’s premium Bordeaux-style reds.
35,90 €
Quantity : moins plus
Te Mata Bullnose Syrah 2019
Te Mata Bullnose Syrah 2019
Te Mata
Bullnose Syrah 2019
RP
93
BC
96
JS
93
The 2019 Bullnose Syrah offers a beautifully layered combination of blackberry, liquorice, and peppery spice, balanced by floral notes and a rich, lingering finish. This is a wine that embodies the sophistication of Hawke’s Bay Syrah, with great aging potential.
59,90 €
Quantity : moins plus
Te Mata Coleraine 2021
Te Mata Coleraine 2021
Te Mata
Coleraine 2021
RP
98
JS
97
BC
98
The Te Mata Coleraine is New Zealand’s most famous red wine, known for its Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc blend. A symbol of excellence since its first vintage in 1982, Coleraine embodies concentration, complexity, and elegance, placing it among the world’s finest wines.
109,00 €
Quantity : moins plus
Te Mata Elston Chardonnay 2019
Te Mata Elston Chardonnay 2019
Te Mata
Elston Chardonnay 2019
RP
94
BC
95
WE
91
The Te Mata Elston Chardonnay is a highly regarded New Zealand Chardonnay that has been produced since 1984, recognized for its richness, complexity, and balance.
36,90 €
Quantity : moins plus
Te Mata Estate Merlot - Cabernet 2020
Te Mata Estate Merlot - Cabernet 2020
Te Mata
Estate Merlot - Cabernet 2020
RP
90
The Te Mata Estate Cabernet Merlot is a classic Bordeaux-style blend from Hawke’s Bay, showcasing a balance of ripe dark fruit, structured tannins, and subtle oak influence. This wine embodies the best qualities of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc, expressing the vintage's rich concentration and elegance.
24,90 €
Quantity : moins plus
Te Mata Estate Chardonnay 2021
Te Mata Estate Chardonnay 2021
Te Mata
Estate Chardonnay 2021
RP
92
The Te Mata Estate Chardonnay is a refined expression of New Zealand's Hawke’s Bay terroir, offering a balance of rich fruit flavors, elegant acidity, and complex layers of oak integration.
24,90 €
Quantity : moins plus
Wine regions guide
24,90 €
Quantity : Moins     Plus
 
 
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