2023 Te Mata Estate Awatea Cabernets Merlot

An elegant, red fruited Bordeaux style blend.

A blend of 52% Merlot, 33% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Cabernet Franc. Deep black dark red core with a bright red to dark red hue. Red to black currant and red liquorice aromas stream from the glass trailed by some spicy vanillin cedar, delicate tobacco, mulberry and dried herb notes. The elegant, mid weighted palate is well endowed with rich red currant and mulberry fruits which meld into a dusty vanillin cedar, subtle tobacco and spicy dried herb back drop. Fine grained tannins with good underlying freshness and a refined medium to long conclusion.
Drink over the next 6-8 years.
Alc. 13.5%

Other Reviews…..
A juicy and delicious red with plums, dark cherries and blackcurrants as well as fresh flowers. Medium-bodied, it has a lovely, creamy texture and a savory finish. Hints of dried oranges and blossoms. Soft and crunchy finish. 52% merlot, 33% cabernet sauvignon and 15% cabernet franc. Drink or hold.
94 Points
JamesSuckling.com

52% Merlot, 33% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc. 30% new oak. This is has the highest Merlot component of any Awatea to date (since 2007 at least, and maybe ever, though I don’t have any details prior to that vintage). Now closed with a DIAM cork, though next vintage it will come in a bottle with a longer neck, like Coleraine, so a longer DIAM can be used. Release date is March 2025.
Plum, raspberry, boysenberry, a slight Cab Franc and/or vintage grassiness, nutty and pencilly, with some floral notes, aniseed and spice. Medium-bodied, bramble fruit (fresh raspberry in particular), some ripe tomato tang, tobacco, a bit of grainy chew to tannin, but the line of acidity is so lovely and crisp – rain-washed and fresh – offering a distinct ‘mineral’ character. Length is excellent. It’s understated, with a classic feel, a sort of bright ‘luncheon claret thing happening, or so I think. It has perfume and presence. So while it’s a somewhat different expression of Awatea, I still like it very much. In summary, it’s a lovely wine to drink. Drink 2026-2035+
94 Points
Gary Walsh – The Wine Front