Te Mata Awatea Cabernet Merlot 2019

A$50.00

Availability
In stock
Volume
750ml
Maker
Te Mata
View Maker
Region/Country
Hawkes Bay, New Zealand
Rating
96 points

Vintages

2019

Description

Established in 1896, Te Mata Estate remains family-owned, producing internationally recognized wines exclusively from its Hawke’s Bay vineyards, located on New Zealand’s North Island. Te Mata Estate is home to New Zealand’s oldest vineyards and wine cellars with 125 years of continuous wine production. Today, the Buck family delivers internationally acclaimed estate-grown wines of classical style, which represent the best qualities of their variety, vintage and vineyard including Coleraine, New Zealand’s most famous red wine.

The 2019 Awatea blend is 46% cabernet sauvignon, 32% merlot, 22% cabernet franc. The separate parcels of grapes were destemmed before a traditional warm, plunged fermentation and extended maceration on skins. The resulting wines were then run to new and seasoned French oak barrels for 15 months’ ageing. Throughout this time, they were regularly topped and racked. The separate wines were blended in January 2020, then returned to barrel for their second winter. The finished wine was then egg white fined and bottled in November 2020..

Edged with a brilliant crimson, Awatea Cabernets/Merlot ’19 has a rich magenta core, with dark plum, blackberry, and lush black cherry forming the deep heart of this wine. There’s grace notes of cola and cassis, bay leaf, lavender, and tapenade. Ripe acid and long tannins give a layered richness that builds in length and texture. The classic aromas of the best vintages are already present, the hallmark of age-ability. Awatea Cabernets/Merlot ’19 is a resplendent vintage, and full of appeal.

Ratings

Score
96 points
Reviewer
Cameron Douglas MW
Review

Very youthful and concentrated with dark berries and clove vanilla oak, smoky and forward, varietal and urgent. Great wine – young and needs time, but has power and muscle I have not really noticed before. Spicy plums and dark berries, black berry and black currant. Firm tannins and acidity, youthful, focused, high energy and very exciting. Best drinking from 2022 through 2028+

Score
95 points
Reviewer
Huon Hooke
Review

Dark and bright, Awatea Cabernets/Merlot '18 is an inky purple with an electric crimson edge. AROMA From a warm and dry vintage, Awatea '18 shows ripe blackberry and blackcurrant aromatics with elements of vanilla creme and sandalwood. PALATE On the palate there's a banquet of plum, raspberry, dried herbs and lingering dark cherry, set out across cedar and cocoa powder tannins. Classical in structure, with fine balance and length, Awatea Cabernets/Merlot '18 is resplendent in its purity and detail.

Specifications

Closure
Cork
Serving Temp.
16-18 °C
Alcohol
13.5%
Decanter
Food pairing
Beef Tenderloin with Red Wine Reduction

Tasting Profile

Nose
Youthful and intense, bursting with dark berries, clove vanilla oak, and smoky nuances.
Palate
A powerhouse needing time, it exhibits unprecedented strength and vigor, with spicy plums, firm tannins, and lively acidity.

Te Mata Awatea Cabernet Merlot 2019

Te Mata Awatea Cabernet Merlot 2019
Bottle
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The Reserve Cellars. ABN 89621364994 Liquor License 196883. The Reserve Cellar supports the responsible service of alcohol. It is against the law to sell or supply alcohol to, or obtain alcohol on behalf of, a person under the age of 18 years. WARNING: Under the Liquor Act 1992, it is an offence to supply liquor to a person under the age of 18 years (Penalty exceeds $6,000). for a person under the age of 18 years to purchase or receive liquor (Penalty exceeds $500).

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