WINERY Established in 1896, Te Mata Estate remains family owned, producing internationally recognized wines exclusively from its Hawke’s Bay vineyards, located on New Zealand’s North Island. Te Mata Estate is home to New Zealand’s oldest vineyards and wine cellars with 128 years of continuous wine production. The Buck family were drawn to the estate in 1974, and today, the family continues their pursuit to deliver internationally acclaimed, estate-grown wines of classical style, which represent the best qualities of their variety, vintage and vineyard.

WINE First made in 1982, Awatea continues to represent the best of the classic Hawke’s Bay Cabernet/Merlot blend. Floral aromas with intense blackberry, currant, and dark plum flavours lead to a rich, supple palate with a sustained finish. Awatea takes its name from the historic ship SS Awatea (a Maori word meaning “Eye of the Dawn”) that sailed the Auckland – Sydney – Wellington route in the late 1930s. The Awatea was requisitioned as a troop transport in WWII and was sunk off Algeria in 1942. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Exclusively from Te Mata estate vineyards in Havelock Hills and Gimblett Gravels.

The 2022 Awatea grapes were hand harvested from Te Mata Estate’s Havelock Hills and Gimblett Gravels vineyards between March 20-27, 2022. The Havelock Hills, housing the winery and five sites including the historic 1892 vineyard, feature free-draining north-facing slopes with sandy loam soils. Located at the intersection of two tectonic plates, the terrain forms ideal grape-growing terraces. Havelock Hills Vineyards produce wines known for balance, power and elegance. In 1996, the area was designated the Te Mata Special Character Zone, protecting it from development and becoming New Zealand’s first wine appellation. Te Mata was among the first to recognize Gimblett Gravels’ potential, where stony soils were exposed after an 1860s flood. This sub-region now has an international reputation for complex, detailed red wines.

A memorable, incredibly early vintage. A challenging harvest with two large rain events leading to some early picks from fragile crops. It resulted in wines with great varietal expression, restraint, tension, power, and length.

The separate parcels of grapes were destemmed before a traditional warm-plunged fermentation and extended maceration on skins. The resulting wines were then run to new and seasoned French oak barrels for 15 months. Throughout this time, they were regularly topped and racked. The separate wines were blended in July 2023, then returned to barrel for their second winter. The finished wine was then egg white fined and bottled in November 2023.

The 2022 Awatea Cabernets/Merlot shows deep red color with aromas of blackberry, bay leaf, red currants, and sea spray. The palate combines red and dark fruits with roses, chocolate, olive, vanilla, and cedar notes. A hint of menthol layers over ripe Black Doris plum. Bright acidity highlights the varietal character, while fine tannins add structure. This balanced wine offers impressive length and aging potential.