COLERAINE ’20

Coleraine is New Zealand's most famous red wine.  First produced in 1982, this classic blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc displays the concentration, complexity and elegance found in the world's finest wines. 

ORIGIN

Coleraine derives its name from the Coleraine vineyard, home of John and Wendy Buck of Te Mata Estate. John’s late grandfather was born in Coleraine in Northern Ireland and the name has been maintained through the family home to the wine. A single vineyard wine until 1989, Coleraine is an assemblage of the finest wines produced from distinct plots within Te Mata Estate’s oldest Havelock Hills vineyards first planted in 1892.

VINEYARDS

Coleraine ’20 was hand harvested from separate plots within Te Mata’s vineyards between 19 March and 2 April 2020.

WINEMAKING

Each parcel of grapes was destemmed before a traditional warm, plunged fermentation and extended maceration on skins. The resulting wines were then run to predominately new French oak barrels for 17 months’ maturation. Throughout this time, they were regularly topped and racked. The assemblage was made in January 2021. The finished wine was bottled in December 2021. The final blend is 57% cabernet sauvignon, 36% merlot and 7% cabernet franc.

TASTING NOTE

A gleaming obsidian-dark, Coleraine ’20 flashes in the glass. From its depths glimmers wild roses and cedar, blackcurrants, dark cherries, plums - a rapid symmetry of perfectly ripe dark fruit. Notes of cocoa-nib, thyme, and layer upon layer of fine tannin are polished to a mirror-finish, shimmering the length of the wine. From its elevated aromatics to its monumental mid-palate weight, intense vitality, and long radiant finish, Coleraine ’20 is a window on midnight. Replete in detail. Out of darkness emerges an immense wine of clarity, concentration and focus. Coleraine 2020 is a perfect vision.

TECHNICAL ANALYSIS