Te Mata Estate Awatea Cabernets / Merlot 2021

Stuart McCloskey "This sample bottle enriched a very enjoyable evening, followed by a further sampling post breakfast. I wholeheartedly agree with Erin (Larkin) – this really does offer exceptional value. Exceedingly, so… Granted, it’s not what one would call ‘cheap’ however, I would struggle to find any wine from the likes of Bordeaux who could come close to the quality, at this price point. It really is that good. The bouquet is packed with aromatics and the palate equally packed with flavour. There’s a lot of wine here which takes an hour or two to unravel.

Blackberries, blueberries, cooling ribbons of graphite, fresh cedar, liquorice, nori, undergrowth and sweet tobacco deliver a heavenly bouquet, which only gets better with more airtime. The palate is wonderfully succulent and so well balanced in all its elements. Flawless delivery – the texture is silken, there’s poise and refinement (without sacrificing flavour), amazing length, and the sense of purity is the icing on the cake. A stunning wine from the get-go. The tannins glide effortlessly and gently hug the black and blue fruits. Olive tapenade and sweet tobacco are in the background. Worth every single penny, and more too. This will age so gracefully. Drink now to 2035. Served using Zalto’s Burgundy stemware as I wanted to capture the bouquet. I cannot find fault. Simply, outright delicious…" 

97 Points - Sam Kim “Offering harmony and structure within an opulent framed of rich fruit and silky tannins, this is a gratifying red offering awesome value. The enticing bouquet shows blackcurrant, mulberry, tobacco and cedary oak characters with a delicate floral overtone. The palate displays amazing depth and persistency, wonderfully complemented by delectable fruit flavours with spicy nuances. Tannins are fine, mouth-coating and just right, making it structured and seamless at the same time”.