Coleraine ’08 is a blend of 53% cabernet sauvignon, 28% merlot, and 19% cabernet franc. It will continue to develop in bottle and provide great enjoyment between 6 and 12 years from harvest. Coleraine ’08 has a deep magenta colour with lifted aromas of roses, blackcurrant syrup and dark chocolate. The palate shows great intensity with assertive dark fruit flavours, espresso and spice underpinned by firm tannins giving structure to the long finish.

The Te Mata ‘Coleraine’ 2008 at 13.5% alc, was 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot and 19% Cabernet Franc, aged 20 months in predominantly new French oak barrels.  Very dark hued black-red with purple hues, this has a wonderful purity of fragrant blackcurrant fruit expression on the nose which is reflected on the refined and elegantly structured palate.  Tightly bound still, this nevertheless exudes beauty and class.  The balance of the wine is quite inspirational and a model to aim for in a Bordeaux-styled wine.  Everything is in place, and this should develop over the next 12-15 years easily. 19.0+/20 Raymond Chan (NZ)

Has there ever been a more deliciously approachable Coleraine? I love it. Dense and lively red with layers of berryfruit/blackcurrent together with a more subtle influence of floral, dried spice and cedar flavours. Supple, elegant wine that will age well despite its present approachable nature. The best Coleraine I’ve tasted for a while and better, in my view, than the highly rated 2007. 95 Points; Bob Campbell MW

Te Mata is as focused on quality as it is on innovation. When winery owner John Buck made the first vintage of Coleraine in 1982, he opened the eyes of his peers to the potential for making top wine from a blend of Bordeaux varieties in Hawke’s Bay. Good wine are now commonplace, but Coleraine still leads the pack with a style that grows more refined every year. Dense and lovely with layers of berry fruit and blackcurrant, together with a more subtle influence of floral, dried spice and cedar flavours. Now - 2018. 5 Stars; Decanter Magazine

Some on the international scene liken this great New Zealand cabernet blend to Bordeaux but it’s different to most. The ‘08 has essency “New World” purity, fusing savoury austerity and fruit ripeness in excellent balance. Deliciously pristine blackcurrent, herb and cedar characters weave their way through a super-fine, middleweight wine of great length and balance. Superb. (13.5 per cent alcohol; cork) Ageing? needs time 3 - 15 years Food ideas Racks of spring lamb; Vietnamese beef grilled in mint leaves. 5 Stars; Ralph Kyte-Powell; The Age Epicure

Don’t even think about opening a bottle this year because this wine is fast asleep right now. Its Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc fruit is surrounded by assertive oak, making for a firm structure. In time it will integrate and open up to blackcurrant and capsicum fruit. 94 Points; Vintage 2008 RRP $80.00; Wine Business Monthly

Coleraine is the flagship of the Te Mata Estate range. It is a blend of cabernet sauvignon, merlot and cabernet franc. As it unfolded it seemed terribly good. It’s a wine of layers and tannin. It tastes of dust, crushed leaves, blackcurrant and blackberry. There is some creamy, nutty, cedary oak too and a bitter, dark olive-like flavour to the aftertaste. Its tannin gives a sense of stature. Excellent. 94+ Points; Campbell Mattinson; The Wine Front