Te Mata Estate Awatea

From one of New Zealand’s most distinguished estates, Te Mata Awatea embodies the sophistication of a classic Hawke’s Bay Bordeaux blend. Combining Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc from the estate’s finest vineyards, it offers depth, refinement and gifting appeal in every glass.

Tasting Notes & Experience

With a gleaming crimson core and ruby rim, Awatea is alluringly perfumed with blackberry, bay leaf, violets and vanilla. The poised palate reveals plum, black olive and sandalwood layered with salinity, fine tannins and refreshing acidity. Elegant, textural and classically Te Mata in style.

Key Details

• Winery: Te Mata Estate
• Grapes: 52% Merlot, 33% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc
• Region: Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand
• Vintage: 2023
• ABV: 13.5%
• Volume: 750 ml
• Other: Sustainable Winegrowing NZ Certified

Craftsmanship & Story

Te Mata Estate, New Zealand’s oldest winery (est. 1896), crafts Awatea from hand-harvested fruit grown in its Gimblett Gravels and Havelock Hills vineyards. Each parcel is fermented separately, matured for 15 months in new and seasoned French oak, then blended and refined using traditional egg-white fining—an artisanal process reflecting the estate’s heritage and precision.

Special Features

Named after the historic SS Awatea (“Eye of the Dawn”), this limited-release blend mirrors Te Mata’s flagship Coleraine in structure and pedigree. A modern claret of poise and longevity, it balances Hawke’s Bay warmth with fine European-style restraint.

Recognition & Accolades

Acclaimed for its balance, depth and classical Hawke’s Bay expression, Te Mata Awatea continues to receive outstanding reviews from leading critics and international publications.

• 96/100 Points – Erin Larkin, The Wine Advocate (2023 vintage)
• 95/100 Points & 5 Stars – Sam Kim, Wine Orbit (2023 vintage)
• 94/100 Points – Gary Walsh, The Wine Front (2023 vintage)
• 97/100 Points & 5 Stars – Sam Kim, Wine Orbit (2023 vintage)
• ‘Super Classic’ & 5 Stars – Michael Cooper (2021 vintage)
• 95+/100 Points – Gary Walsh, The Wine Front (2021 vintage)
• 95/100 Points – Huon Hooke, The Real Review (2021 vintage)
• 93/100 Points – James Suckling (2021 vintage)

These accolades affirm Awatea’s enduring reputation as one of New Zealand’s most admired Bordeaux-style reds — a wine of elegance, consistency and timeless appeal.

Food Pairings

Awatea’s harmony of cassis, plum and bay-leaf spice finds perfection with slow-roasted lamb or venison, where savoury richness is lifted by the wine’s bright acidity. Its cedar and sandalwood tones enhance a classic Beef Wellington, while the fine tannins embrace wild-mushroom duxelles. For relaxed indulgence, serve alongside aged cheddar—the wine’s structure softens into velvet with every bite.

Perfect for Gifting or Sipping

A refined choice for anniversaries, dinner celebrations or cellar collections. Presented beautifully in our luxury gift boxes with personal message options, Awatea captures the spirit of heritage, craftsmanship and elegance in every pour.

Fast, Secure NZ-Wide Delivery

Order online for fast NZ delivery. Lovingly packed with a selection of stylish packaging and a personal message option to complete the perfect gift.