Te Mata 2021 Alma Pinot Noir

Te Mata Estate, one of New Zealand’s greatest estates, was originally part of Te Mata Station, a large pastoral land-holding established by English immigrant, John Chambers, in 1854. After returning from a trip to France, John Chamber’s son, Bernard in 1896 planted vines on three parcels of hillside land above the homestead and began converting the stables to ferment and mature the first Te Mata Estate Wines.

Woodthorpe Terraces, first planted to pinot noir in 1999, is a series of sheltered, free-draining terraces that step down to the Tutaekuri Valley. The Te Mata team honed its viticultural and vinification techniques over many years before releasing the first reserve level ‘Alma’ Pinot Noir in 2021.

Michele’s notes: Deeply hued. Alluring aromas of dark cherry/sweet blackberries, chocolate, liquorice strap and umami notes of dried porcini. Toasted nuts too from the excellent oak. The overall impression is that this is going to be a big wine, but it is surprisingly and pleasingly juicy, supple, and refreshing. Poised acidity is a great foil to the ripe fruit. Ultra-fine tannins on the long finish.