Te Mata Estate Coleraine 2001

Sam Kim, Wine Orbit writes "This is at a lovely phase of development as it shows fruit vibrancy with savoury undertone. The bouquet exhibits dark fruit, game, black olive, dried herb and subtle nutty characters. It’s succulent and beautifully rounded on the entry to the palate with excellent intensity, leading to an impressively long finish well supported by firm, sturdy tannins. Very much like a classic claret. At its best: now to 2020. 55% cabernet sauvignon, 29% merlot, 16% cabernet franc. 13.5%."
Raymond Chan Wine Reviews writes "Full, dark, deep, black-hued ruby-red with some garnet hues. This has a full and dense nose of ripe, dark red and black berried fruit along with savoury earth and game notes adding complexity and interest. Some secondary development is appearing, and this is very well integrated and harmonious. Medium-full bodied, an amalgam of black fruit, cedar and savoury game and earth, with dark herbal flavours is the feature. The flavours are enlivened by underlining acidity and very fine, silky textures to balance the fruit density and depth. The acidity and extraction provide good elegance and excellent length to the palate, with complex sweet fruit cedar and game nuances that linger. This is a well-concentrated ‘Coleraine’ with the acid verve and grip to see it develop well for another 5-6+ years easily. 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot and 16% Cabernet Franc, fermented to 13.5% alc., the wine aged 20 months in barrel."