Te Mata Awatea 2022

Cellar for up to 6 years. Decanting time: An hour. Deep, intense crimson in colour, the deliberate nose carries elegant hints of chocolate, vanilla, dark roast coffee underneath the expertly blended grape varietals. Fresh, vibrant herbs and cassis, licorice and mineral notes contribute to the delightful, lively aroma which only enhance the intensity of the aromas. Flavours of ripe berry expand into a full mouthfeel that offers a concentrated palate with an intense core of ripe red and black berries. Flavours of tobacco leaf and black cherry intersect along the tightly woven palate, with expanding, penetrating expressions continuing to emerge along a long, clean line.The wine is well supported and carries a precise, expertly-crafted structure that promises to grow with intensity, while maintaining its accessibility. This vintage benefited from a perfect growing season, and the ripe fruit has been ideally cultivated into an expertly crafted wine. A fine, clean, lingering finish is carried by ripe,powdery tannins support this powerful wine whose lacy acidity carries through to the sustained end. Renowned as one of New Zealand’s top premier wine offering exceptional value, the 2013 TeMata Awatea is a wine which is one of those well-known and loved selections that flies off the shelf. And for good reason. Aged 15 months in approximately 35% new French oak barriques. First made in 1982 from a single vineyard, this elite Bordeaux blend is now the culmination of over 30 parcels. A very good wine, and an outstanding vintage, especially for the price. Serves well with red meats, hard cheeses and pasta.

Price: £25.15 from 8wines UK