Te Mata Cape Crest Sauvignon Blanc 2023

Te Mata Estate 'Cape Crest' Sauvignon Blanc 2023

• Region: Hawke's Bay
• Sub-Region: Havelock Hills, Bridge Pa Triangle & Dartmoor Valley (blend)
• Varieties: Sauvignon Blanc (97%), Semillon (2%), Sauvignon Gris (1%)

Vineyard First produced in 1984, Cape Crest was New Zealand's pioneering barrel-fermented Sauvignon Blanc. Despite a season of record heat, heavy rain, and a historic cyclone, 2023 proved exceptional for Sauvignon Blanc. Fruit was hand-harvested across three Hawke's Bay sub-regions, then aged 11 months on lees with regular stirring in a mix of new and seasoned French oak (30% new).

Wine White diamond in the glass, with expressive grapefruit, lime blossom, and white currant lifted by guava and warm citrus brioche. The palate surges with nectarine, lemon oil, and tropical fruit threaded with sea salt, flint, and toasted cedar — layered, seamless, and beautifully focused, in a style closer to white Bordeaux than Marlborough.

Food Pairings

• Pan-seared scallops
• Rich seafood dishes
• Soft, creamy cheeses

Accolades (2023)

• 96/100 points — Sam Kim, Wine Orbit
• 95/100 points — Erin Larkin, Wine Advocate