Te Mata
Cape Crest Sauvignon Blanc, Hawke’s Bay
Since 1984, Cape Crest has developed an international following for it’s unique expression of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. Barrel fermented, with a touch of Semillon and Sauvignon Gris, it is concentrated and compex with toast, citrus blossom, pear and stonefruit characters. Cape Crest and its gannet symbol refer to Cape Kidnappers, the southern point of Hawke Bay, home to the world’s largest mainland colony of these remarkable marine birds.
The fully ripe grapes for Cape Crest ’23 were hand harvested between March 21 -28, 2023, from individual plots within Te Mata Estate’s vineyards, spanning across the Havelock Hills, Bridge PA Triangle and Dartmoor Valley sub-regions of Hawke’s Bay.
- Region
- Hawke's Bay
- Appellation
- Hawke's Bay
- Varietal Composition
- Sauvignon Blanc; Semillon, Sauvignon Gris
- Aging
- 11 months on lees, with regular stirring.
- Alcohol
- 13%
Brilliant pale straw in color, the Cape Crest Sauvignon Blanc shows vibrant aromas of lime zest and grapefruit with a hint of cream soda. The palate is lively and focused, layered with gooseberry, yellow currant, and subtle notes of smoke, flint, and cedar, finishing fresh and mouthwatering.
Wine Spectator
92 Points
2022
"Salted, preserved lemons and a thread of saline define this distinctive version, along with a whiff of smoke. Offers fleshy peach and apricot flavors, with vibrant acidity, plus toasted herb notes that linger on the long finish. Drink now. 5,000 cases made, 300 cases imported."
— MaryAnn Worobiec, 2025
