Te Mata Cape Crest Sauvignon Blanc 2024

Product Description:
Concentration, aromatic complexity and mineral freshness define the Te Mata Cape Crest Sauvignon Blanc 2024. First produced in 1984, Cape Crest is Te Mata Estate’s distinctive barrel-fermented interpretation of Hawke’s Bay Sauvignon Blanc. The 2024 release is composed of 86% Sauvignon Blanc, 9% Sémillon and 5% Sauvignon Gris, creating a layered white Bordeaux-inspired blend with both fragrance and textural depth. The grapes were hand-harvested between 5 and 14 March 2024 from individual vineyard parcels across the Havelock Hills and Bridge Pa Triangle subregions of Hawke’s Bay. These estate vineyards are planted on silty loam soils containing gravel deposits, which contribute drainage and mineral definition. The 2024 season produced a smaller crop, but favourable ripening conditions following flowering and fruit set delivered grapes with vibrancy, concentrated flavour and notable complexity.

Each vineyard parcel was destemmed and lightly crushed before cooling and a short period of skin contact. After pressing and cold settling, the juice was transferred to custom-made French oak barrels for fermentation. The wine then matured for 11 months on its lees with regular stirring in a combination of new and seasoned French oak, including 36% new oak. This extended élevage adds richness and structure while preserving the freshness and varietal character of the fruit. Aromatically expressive, the wine combines grapefruit, lime blossom and white currant with guava and warm citrus-brioche nuances. The palate is fine and persistent, revealing nectarine, lemon oil and ripe tropical fruit alongside sea salt, flint and gently toasted cedar. Its generous texture is balanced by vibrant acidity and a focused mineral line, resulting in a seamless and age-worthy expression of Hawke’s Bay Sauvignon Blanc.

Tasting Notes
NOSE
– Expressive and finely layered
Grapefruit, lime blossom and white currant with guava, white flowers, citrus brioche and subtle toasted-oak complexity.

PALATE
– Concentrated and beautifully focused
Nectarine, lemon oil and ripe tropical fruit supported by saline acidity, fine texture, flint and restrained French oak.

FINISH
– Long and mineral-edged
Persistent citrus and stone fruit linger with sea-salt freshness, toasted cedar and precise mineral drive.

Reviews & Accolades
“The palate is expansive yet controlled, with a saline, mouthwatering line of acidity that carries long through the finish.” — Erin Larkin, Robert Parker Wine Advocate, 95 Points

“It’s lively, great texture here, some chalky things, a little gloss, blackcurrant, ripe grapefruit acid with a spicy finish of excellent length.” — Gary Walsh, The Wine Front, 94 Points

“Aromas of jasmine, Meyer lemons, green melon and lavender. So fresh and rather delicate. Medium-bodied with crunchy fruit and tangy acidity.” — James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com, 94 Points

Finer Details:
Style – White Wine
Varietal – Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, Sauvignon Gris
Country – New Zealand
Region – Hawke’s Bay, Havelock Hills and Bridge Pa Triangle
Vintage – 2024
Bottle Size – 750ml
ABV – 13.5%