Te Mata Estate Cape Crest Hawke's Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2023 - 6 Bottles

Product Description

Winery Background
Founded in 1896, Te Mata Estate is one of New Zealand’s oldest and most highly regarded wineries. Located in Hawke’s Bay, the estate has earned international acclaim for its Bordeaux-style reds and its sophisticated, barrel-fermented Sauvignon Blanc, Cape Crest, which has become a benchmark for the variety in New Zealand.

Vineyards & Vintage Conditions
Fruit for Cape Crest comes from Te Mata’s own coastal vineyards in Hawke’s Bay, where gravelly soils and cooling sea breezes create excellent conditions for slow, even ripening. The 2023 vintage was characterised by moderate warmth and well-timed rainfall, leading to Sauvignon Blanc grapes with excellent aromatics, balanced acidity, and vibrant purity.

Winemaking
Hand-harvested fruit was fermented in a mix of new and seasoned French oak barrels, with a portion undergoing wild fermentation to enhance complexity. Extended maturation on lees with regular stirring enriched the texture, while a small addition of Semillon and Sauvignon Gris added structure, depth, and age-worthiness to the final blend.

Tasting Notes

• Appearance: Bright pale gold with green reflections.

• Nose: Lifted aromas of guava, passionfruit, kaffir lime leaf, and white florals, layered with subtle notes of toast and vanilla from barrel fermentation.

• Palate: Concentrated and textural, showing ripe tropical fruit, citrus zest, and stone fruit flavours balanced by fine acidity. The finish is long, savoury, and mineral-driven, offering both immediate appeal and cellaring potential.

Food Pairing
Pairs beautifully with fresh oysters, grilled seafood, goat’s cheese, roast chicken with herbs, or light pasta dishes with lemon and cream.

Why It Stands Out
Unlike most New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs, Cape Crest is barrel-fermented and designed to age gracefully, combining aromatic intensity with Burgundian-style elegance. The 2023 vintage continues Te Mata’s reputation for producing one of the country’s most distinctive and refined Sauvignon Blancs.

Vintage Note