TE MATA CAPE CREST SAUVIGNON BLANC 2023

Te Mata describe this as a ‘unique expression of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. Modelled on dry white Bordeaux this is a blend of 97% Sauvignon Blanc, 2% Semillon and 1% Sauvignon Gris fermented in a mix of new and seasoned French oak barrels and aged on lees for a further 11 months. The 2023 is something pretty special with perfect balance and structure along with incredible texture and length.

Winery notes (2023 Vintage)
"With a brilliant pale straw colour, Cape Crest Sauvignon Blanc 2023 entices with a captivating bouquet of lime zest, grapefruit, and a hint of cream soda. On the palate the wine surges with vibrancy and concentration showing gooseberry, yellow currants, and tropical fruit, all seamlessly interwoven with lingering notes of smoke, flint, and cedar. Cape Crest Sauvignon Blanc 2023 is a layered, precise, and focused wine, without any compromise in its characteristic complexity, refreshing appeal and mouthwatering finish.

The separate parcels were each destemmed and lightly crushed, then cooled before a brief period of skin contact. Following pressing and cold-settling, they were run to a mixture of new and seasoned French oak barrels for fermentation. The resulting wines were aged on lees, with regular stirring, for a further 11 months before bottling in February 2024. Cape Crest ’23 is a blend of 97% sauvignon blanc, 2% semillon and 1% sauvignon gris."

5 Stars & 96/100 Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, January 2025 (2023 Vintage)
"Brilliantly expressed. Finely focused palate that is both pristine and complex. Finishing impressively long with fabulous vibrancy and harmony."

94+/100 Gary Walsh, The Wine Front, December 2024 (2023 Vintage)
"Cape gooseberry, blackcurrant, florals, saline notes, baking spice, a bit of leaf and grass, fennel tips, with a slight vanilla creaminess. Bright and juicy, bursts with grapefruit, blackcurrant and fresh pineapple, quite intense in acidity, though it’s both tangy and freshening, and there’s some flinty texture and discreet creaminess in the mix, along with some woody spices. The finish is sappy and citrus laden, with a distinct grapefruity bite. This is a very good release, and likely to age especially well."

95/100 Erin Larkin, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (2023 Vintage)
"Leads with pressed linen and golden delicious apples, white pepper, shaved fennel and a profusion of preserved citrus rind, which elevates the wine into the echelon of the great. This is a 360-degree drinking experience here. Excellent. This is one of the best Cape Crest releases."