52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Cabernet Franc, 34% Merlot, aged 20 months in 75% new oak. Seeing the 2007 vintage of ‘Coleraine’ alongside the previous three releases gave a clear perspective of how this is the best. It is the sweetness of fruit and aromatic lift that is the defining feature of the 2007, which makes it superior to the earlier releases. Wonderfully ripened to yield very rich and ripe dark fruits simultaneously with florals and perfumes, the sweetness and succulence is clearly fruit-derived, and freshness and energy given support by the fine acidity. Oak input is barely perceptible. Though fully extracted, the fineness of the tannins gives silken textures. This will cellar 25 years. Raymond’s score for the wine at the Te Mata Showcase at the start of March was a perfect 20.0/20. Tasting the wine again recently, he says there is every reason to retain it.RC May 09

2007 was the driest growing season in a decade, and the fruit was harvested in perfect conditions. The Te Mata ‘Coleraine’ 2007 (20.0/20) is 14.0% alc and a blend of 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Cabernet Franc and 34% Merlot aged for 20 months in 75% new oak. Youthful, purple red in colour, this had beautifully ripened floral notes counterpoised with rich and ripe dark fruit aromas. Lovely spice notes to the perfumes added great interest. However it was the sweetness of the fruit that was magical. Succulent and luscious, with wonderful aromatic character, the huge extraction gave balance and style to the wine. Very refined tannins and great length, this is perfect in the Margaux-style of Bordeaux at the top level. A stunning effort that should see two decades of life easily.RC March 09