Breed, rather than brute power, is the hallmark of Coleraine (correctly pronounced Cole-raine rather than Coler-aine), which since its first vintage in 1982 has carved out an illustrious reputation among New Zealand's claret-style reds. In all vintages since 2007, Cabernet Sauvignon has been the predominant variety. At its best, it is a magical Hawke's Bay wine, with a depth, complexity and subtlety on the level of a top-class Bordeaux. The grapes are grown and hand-picked in the Havelock North hills, in the company's warm, north-facing Buck and 1892 vineyards, and the wine is matured for 16 to 20 months in French oak barriques, predominantly new. The 2019 vintage (5*) is a notably elegant, youthful blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (59 per cent), Merlot (37 per cent) and Cabernet Franc (4 per cent). It has deep, bright, purple-flushed colour. A classic claret-style red, savoury and supple, it has beautifully ripe blackcurrant, plum and spice flavours, showing impressive complexity, density and finesse. Still a baby, it's a wine to buy now and enjoy over the next 20 years.
Details
Type: Red Wines
Variety: Branded and Other Red Wines
Vintage: 2019
Overall Rating for All Vintages Tasted: ★★★★★ – 5 Stars
Price: $129 NZD
Sweetness: DRY
Value for Money: AV
This wine is a Super Classic.