| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | New Zealand > Hawkes Bay |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
Superlative balance. Aromas of blackberries, currants, blueberries, graphite and dark tobacco with hints of bark, violets and licorice. Medium-bodied with ultra-fine velvety tannins and a seamless, cashmere texture. So caressing and polished. Bright and vivid at the end. 58% cabernet sauvignon. 31% merlot and 11% cabernet franc. Will be released March 1. You could drink this tonight and enjoy it, but it will age.
The iconic blend of 58/31/11% cabernet sauvignon/merlot/cabernet franc. Tiny berries in '24, destemmed, 30 days' maceration, matured in French oak, 70% new, for 20 months. Deep magenta/crimson with enticing aromas of pure blackberry, damson plum, black cherry and blackcurrant fruits over hints of fine spice, dried tobacco, pencil case, crème de cassis, gentle crushed meadow herbs, violets, cocoa nibs, cedar, vanilla bean and earth. Such an elegant, graceful presentation of ripe black fruits on the palate, slender and supple, layered and kinetic. This has superfine powdered-gravel tannins and a finish that seems to roll forever. A classic from a superb vintage, this is just a no-brainer and a wine that sits right at the top of the New Zealand fine-wine hierarchy.
Deep and bright, bold purple-red colour; fabulous cranberry, violet and cassis aromas, the fruit bursting from the glass. The same flavours saturate the palate which is beautifuly balanced by abundant fine-grained tannins that run the full length of the palate and provide a very long lasting and resonant farewell. Oak is so well handled as to be only just perceptible, adding to the cedary touches. An utterly delicious cabernet blend and a top vintage of this wine. Drink 2026-2046.
The 2024 Coleraine is young and rich but naturally refreshing. Vanilla and cedar oak flavours are prominent in its youth, but its density and richness of fruit will take over with time in bottle. The tannins are abundant but resolved and delectable, even at this early stage. A small splash of Cabernet Franc enhances the midweight, substantial palate with graphite notes, floral lift and a plait of tension. The long and very satisfying finish leaves black plum, black olive, licorice and vanilla tones. Having recently tasted the 1982 blind, I think it's safe to assume that the 2024 has decades and decades ahead of it, but will find its sweet spot in 15-25 years. This is a wine to get to know over several years rather than several glasses. Drink 2027-2049.
