Established in 1896, Te Mata Estate remains family owned, producing internationally recognized wines exclusively from its Hawke's Bay vineyards. The Estate's ownership varied frequently until John and Wendy Buck acquired it in 1978. John and Wendy instigated a twenty-year development program, which commenced with the restoration of the original winery building and the replanting of all of the original vineyards, as well as the acquisition of new vineyard sites.

Te Mata winery has been ranked 'Top Winery in New Zealand' evidenced by the consistent quality of the Coleraine and Awatea Cabernet Merlot wines, the Bull Nose Syrah and the Elston Chardonnay. Elston is named for Elston Hall in Nottinghamshire, the ancestral home of Charles Darwin’s family. Darwin’s ‘theory of natural selection’ forms the basis of modern evolutionary theory, the foundation of biology. The wyvern symbol of Elston Hall appears on the label.

Wow. The aromas are breathtaking with lemon rind, lemon tree, hints of sandalwood, minerals and crushed stones. The palate shows a stunning interplay of sliced apples, green mangoes, lemongrass, honeysuckle, white cedar and intense lemons. Some flint and wet stones at the end and a briny aftertaste. 100% barrel-fermented. Aged 11 months in barrel. Date: June 2025; Rating: 97 Points; James Suckling

A profusion of white pineapple and green apple, roasted hazelnut/cashew and white flowers. It is impressive, flavoursome and almost achingly intense, with great length through the finish. Recommended. Rating: 94 Points; Robert Parker's Wine Advocate