Having read such an accurate review by G.M below there really is not much more to add, the fine grained chalky mouth coating tannins being a highlight for me, with tannin quality surpassing wines such as Carmes Haut-Brion and Grand-Puy-Lacoste had along beside . As is expected, it needs several years for the elements to integrate, the cedar nose being one that stands out the most. Best currently with some rendered salty pan fried meat. This will be a pleasure to track (92-94)
Yes, this is a great wine. Glowing, shimmering, purple-ruby. Effusing floral, cedary, herbal perfume, even in its youth. Polished and woven mass of chalky tannins, bright acidity and intense dark fruit to age over decades. Bought and opened in Christchurch as a pre-Xmas indulgence, with no regrets. The stash in Melb will be left to slumber. (96+ Superb wine)
Drinking this the year of release, so admittedly this is still extremely young.
This shows in the polished neon purple colour. A muted nose, hints of dust and gravel, very bright fruit, but not a lot of interest.
The palette shows its youthfulness, bright fruit, green vegetal notes, and some balsamic vinegar. Not a lot of body, quite soft tannins.
Tasted this at the same time as a 2015 and 2019. The 2019 was the star, and by contrast only managed to highlight how young the 2020 is. Definitely not ready to drink, but looking forward to making the same comparison in 5 or so years. Hoping it lives up to its pedigree.
SLDS April 2022: Blind. Spearmint, vanilla, cherry and blackberry. Sweet and dense on the palate, this feels amped up - showy and polished. Powerhouse at the moment, definitely needs time. Not very Coleraine like when revealed but it is what it is.
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3/5/2024 - sdwineguru Likes this wine: 92 Points
Hawkes Bay, NZ, 2020 Te Mata Estate Coleraine ($80). Mid garnet, viscous (14.0 alc.); berries, cocoa, light wood, mint nose (57% CabSauv; 36% Merlot; 7% CabFranc). low-mid acids; mid+ tannins; good Bordeaux blend balance; tasty, semi-tight finish; still evolving. 17-17.5/92-93.
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2/15/2023 - Geerath Likes this wine:
Having read such an accurate review by G.M below there really is not much more to add, the fine grained chalky mouth coating tannins being a highlight for me, with tannin quality surpassing wines such as Carmes Haut-Brion and Grand-Puy-Lacoste had along beside . As is expected, it needs several years for the elements to integrate, the cedar nose being one that stands out the most. Best currently with some rendered salty pan fried meat. This will be a pleasure to track (92-94)
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2/7/2023 - kostaslonis wrote:
New Zealand London Annual Trade Tasting (Lindley Hall, Royal Horticultural Halls): Big, bold notes, fresh and fleshy, fruit notes, spicy, 14% alcohol warmth, palate tight, harsh, alcohol notes again, aggressive and planky
Needs time to come together
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12/23/2022 - G.M. wrote: 96 Points
Yes, this is a great wine. Glowing, shimmering, purple-ruby. Effusing floral, cedary, herbal perfume, even in its youth. Polished and woven mass of chalky tannins, bright acidity and intense dark fruit to age over decades. Bought and opened in Christchurch as a pre-Xmas indulgence, with no regrets. The stash in Melb will be left to slumber. (96+ Superb wine)
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6/4/2022 - jsperl wrote: 81 Points
Drinking this the year of release, so admittedly this is still extremely young.
This shows in the polished neon purple colour. A muted nose, hints of dust and gravel, very bright fruit, but not a lot of interest.
The palette shows its youthfulness, bright fruit, green vegetal notes, and some balsamic vinegar. Not a lot of body, quite soft tannins.
Tasted this at the same time as a 2015 and 2019. The 2019 was the star, and by contrast only managed to highlight how young the 2020 is. Definitely not ready to drink, but looking forward to making the same comparison in 5 or so years. Hoping it lives up to its pedigree.
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4/27/2022 - CamWheeler wrote: 91 Points
SLDS April 2022: Blind. Spearmint, vanilla, cherry and blackberry. Sweet and dense on the palate, this feels amped up - showy and polished. Powerhouse at the moment, definitely needs time. Not very Coleraine like when revealed but it is what it is.
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