TASTING NOTES FOR Te Mata Estate Vineyards Merlot Cabernet Hawke’s Bay New Zealand 2021

🍷 Appearance
Deep crimson red with a vibrant ruby edge. Bright and youthful, showing excellent colour intensity.

👃 Aromas
Aromatic and layered, with red and black plum, raspberry and wild berries.
Hints of dried herbs, cedar, spice and a touch of dark chocolate add complexity.

👅 Palate
Medium-bodied and beautifully balanced, delivering ripe plum, raspberry and dark berry fruits.
Soft, powdery tannins and a gentle savoury edge create a polished, approachable palate.

🍈 Texture & Finish
Smooth and supple with fine tannin structure.
The finish is long and satisfying, with lingering fruit, spice and subtle earthy notes.

🍇 Overall Style
A classic Hawke’s Bay Bordeaux-style blend—soft, balanced and quietly complex.
Combines Merlot richness with Cabernet structure, delivering both drinkability and depth.

🍽️ Food Pairing
Perfect with roast lamb, beef, grilled meats or hearty pasta dishes. Also excellent with hard cheeses and charcuterie.

🥂 BBD Verdict
A seriously reliable red blend that delivers balance, softness and savoury complexity.
Perfect for mixed dozens where you want a versatile, crowd-pleasing red with a touch of class.

Cheers
Peter Turnbull
Better Buy The Dozen 🍷