Te Mata Estate was originally part of Te Mata Station, a large pastoral land-holding established by English immigrant, John Chambers, in 1854. A homestead and stables were built on the property in the early 1870’s.
After returning from France, John Chamber’s third son, Bernard, had the idea to plant vineyards on the north-facing hills around Havelock North. In 1892, Bernard Chambers planted vines on three parcels of hillside land above the homestead and began converting the original stables to ferment and mature these first Te Mata Estate Wines. Today, Te Mata Estate still uses those same three vineyards.
The Chambers family sold the property in 1919. Te Mata Vineyards (TMV) was established and the property had two other owners until it was acquired by the Buck and Morris families in 1974 – the two families behind the modern interpretation of this historic New Zealand estate.
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The unique volcanic soil composition of this site is exhibited in this Cabernet’s mineral texture and intensely structured palate. This latest release from the exceptional 2018 vintage presents a deep purple rim surrounding an opaque garnet core with an abundance of aromas emerging from bakers’ chocolate and dark cherry to crème de cassis to tapenade. Both graceful and bold on the palate, the broad tannins are balanced by pulsing acidity that brings tension and freshness throughout. Notes of boysenberry are interspersed with accents of sweet thyme against a backdrop of crush rock minerality, adding to the long finish and layers of complexity.
Paul Hobbs ALH Cabernet Sauvignon is made from 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc.
This wine presents the eye with a magenta hue and a vibrant ruby red rim. The nose offers up an inviting bouquet of ripe red cherry, damp earth, and nuances of fresh violet. The palate is elegantly structured, with harmonious layers of fine-grained tannins and refreshing acidity. As the wine unfolds it reveals a sublime blend of black raspberry, wild thyme and dark cacao, while savory herbal notes add a further intriguing dimensional note. The finish is long and graceful with a touch of graphite—a hallmark of southern Coombsville's cool climate and rocky volcanic soils.
Review:
A cool, composed wine with gorgeous flavors and silky texture, showing blueberries, dark chocolate, pencil shavings, minerals, violets and pomegranate. Full-bodied yet light on its feet, this feels lacy and airy despite lots of depth and concentration.
James Suckling 96 Points