New Zealand’s historic Te Mata Estate is located in the Hawke’s Bay region. Vines were first planted in 1892, Its renaissance began in 1978 when it was taken over by current owner John Buck. Under Buck’s direction, Te Mata quickly earned a reputation for producing some of the country’s best red and white wines, made from Bordeaux varieties and chardonnay. More recent plantings of gamay and viognier have also proved successful in the favourable Hawke’s Bay climate, where they ripen beautifully.
The estate flagship wine is Te Mata Coleraine, in honour of the home of John Buck’s late grandfather in Northern Ireland. The first Coleraine was made in 1982 and created an instant sensation within New Zealand for unsurpassed quality. Originally a single vineyard wine, it is now a blend of the finest cabernet sauvignon, merlot and cabernet franc from 30 different plots within the Te Mata Estate. It has enough potential to develop in bottle for 15-20 years. Other notable labels are Awatea Cabernet-Merlot, Bullnose Syrah, Elston Chardonnay and Cape Crest Sauvignon Blanc. The winemaker since 1994 has been Peter Cowley.