2023 Te Mata Estate Merlot Cabernets, Hawkes Bay

Te Mata Estate Merlot Cabernets from Hawke’s Bay is a masterful blend that captures the elegance and structure of Bordeaux with a distinctly New Zealand soul. Produced by one of New Zealand’s most historic and respected wineries, this wine is a showcase of Te Mata’s deep connection to the Gimblett Gravels and Havelock Hills—sites famed for their ability to ripen Bordeaux varietals with clarity, complexity, and freshness.

Established in 1896, Te Mata Estate is a cornerstone of Hawke’s Bay winemaking. Under the guidance of winemaker Phil Brodie and the Buck family, the estate has consistently delivered wines of balance, longevity, and site expression. The Merlot Cabernets blend brings together Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc—each parcel fermented separately and matured in French oak barrels before blending.

The wine opens with a seductive nose of dark cherry, blackberry, blackcurrant leaf, and cedar, layered with subtle spice and graphite. On the palate, it’s medium to full-bodied, with polished tannins, plush red and black fruits, and a savoury core of tobacco, dark chocolate, and dried herbs. There’s real energy and drive here, carried by Hawke’s Bay’s maritime climate and alluvial gravel soils that provide perfect drainage and warmth for ripening.

This is a wine with pedigree and approachability—built to shine on release but structured enough to age gracefully over a decade. It pairs beautifully with roast lamb, grilled portobello mushrooms, or aged cheddar.