89POINTS
16¼/20
Te Mata Gamay Noir 2013
Hawkes Bay, North Island, New ZealandTe Mata is New Zealand’s oldest winery, dating from the early 1890’s. They were also responsible for introducing a superior clone of Gamay Noir à Jus Blanc to New Zealand in 1995, planting this on the north facing, terraced, Woodthorpe Vineyard. This cult wine sells out every year, a coveted and rare NZ gamay (less than ten HA are planted in the country). It's easy to see its appeal - juicy, youthful and perfumed cherry, plum and raspberry with a slick of grip on the light bodied palate. Two thirds is carbonically macerated, before being reunited with the traditionally fermented red and a short stint in older French oak. A subtle forest undergrowth and rasped white pepper lingers on the finish. An easy quaffer, appealing in its balanced simplicity. #GoGamayGo.Tasted: 26 January 2016Tasted by: Treve RingPrices:BC | $28.00 | 750ml | private wine shops |