TE MATA ESTATE GAMAY NOIR 2020

Gamay Noir is the grape variety of Beaujolais – an incredibly under-rated variety which has a growing number of ardent fans around the world. Here in New Zealand Te Mata have been producing their Gamay Noir for nearly 20 years building a loyal fan base for its juicy, red berried, softly textured style.

The new 2020 is a beauty – Te Mata say it is the best they have made.. we agree. Everything you want and expect. Flavour, deliciousness and fun. Perfect with spicy foods or on its own. When the weather is warmer you can even chill it down.

Winery notes (2020 Vintage)
"A bright, deep magenta, Estate Vineyards Gamay Noir ’20 has the immediate lifted aromas of black cherry, wild strawberry and star anise. The palate is soft and pillowy with a racing-stripe of boysenberry ripple through it. There are dark roses, raspberries, and notes of sandalwood and liquorice. Soft red and black summer fruits are balanced here by a thirst-quenching freshness. Estate Vineyards Gamay Noir ’20 overflows with deliciousness and fun. Summer in a glass.

The unique ‘maceration carbonique’ fermentation, which enhances the fruit and floral aromas of the wine, was used for 47% of the grapes. The other 53% received a traditional, warm, red wine fermentation. The resulting wines completed their malolactic fermentation and were matured for seven weeks in seasoned French oak barrels, before blending and bottling.

Estate Vineyards Gamay Noir ’20 can be enjoyed immediately upon release and can be served at room temperature or, during summer, lightly chilled."

Reviews for previous vintages below…

4 Stars Michael Cooper (2018 Vintage)
"A sort of red wine for white-wine lovers, the 2018 vintage is delicious young. Bright, light ruby, with fresh, berryish aromas, it is medium-bodied, vibrantly fruity and smooth, with strong, plummy, slightly spicy flavours, gentle tannins, and lots of youthful impact."

91/100 Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, February 2019 (2018 Vintage)
"It is delightfully perfumed and inviting on the nose showing raspberry, cranberry and floral characters with a touch of spicy complexity. The palate delivers juicy fruit intensity and rounded mouthfeel, wonderfully supported by silky texture and fine, polished tannins. It is light, bright and very tasty to a lengthy refreshing finish."