Peak reds (& whites)

Te Mata's horizons have been expanding for more than a century.

- BY MICHAEL COOPER

Te Mata Estate ranks among this country's leading wineries, with a heritage that stretches back to the late 19th century – the first vines were planted in 1892.

Today, it is internationally renowned for rich chardonnays and refined, long-lived cabernet/merlot blends, but it also produces classy, distinctive examples of sauvignon blanc, viognier, pinot noir, gamay and syrah.

Te Mata Estate benefits from owning vineyards in some of the warmest districts around Hawke's Bay – the Havelock Hills (best-suited to late-ripening cabernet sauvignon), Bridge Pā Triangle and the Gimblett Gravels. About 14km inland, the relatively cool Dartmoor Valley is ideal for chardonnay, sauvignon blanc and merlot. These wines are all from the favourably warm, dry, 2024 vintage.

Te Mata Estate Hawke's Bay Chardonnay 2024 ★★★★