2021 Te Mata Estate Merlot Cabernet

Totally opaque black dark red core with a bright dark red hue. Showing plenty of elevation out of the glass are blackcurrant and mulberry aromas which are complimented by cigar box, black olive and spicy dried herb notes. The mid weighted palate features fleshy up front blackcurrant and mulberry fruits which meld into a cigar box, earthy black olive and spice back drop. Dryish finish with relatively firm tannins lending some grip to the medium length conclusion.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 13.5%

Other Reviews…
I just got off a Zoom tasting with the affable, intelligent and perceptive winemaker from Te Mata Estate, Phil Brodie, and we discussed what might be coming from them in vintage 2021, with respect to Awatea and Coleraine. Pretty exciting, I’d say. From my point of view, I see this entry level wine as a hybrid of the structure and thrumming power of 2019, and the rich and fleshy flavour of 2020. The shape of things to come.
Pencils, black fruit, black olive, violet, spice. Medium-bodied, ripe tannin, rich, zesty, green and black olive, blue and red fruit. aniseed, crushed berries, such a good wine, so lively and packed with dark berry fruit and saline flavour. Firm grip of tannin on a very long finish. All the things. Impeccable. Hard to imagine a better value, and more serious Bordeaux blend at this price point. Incredible.
94+ Points
Gary Walsh – The Wine Front