The 2023 Te Mata Awatea Cabernet Merlot is one of New Zealand’s finest Bordeaux-inspired red blends and the acclaimed second wine of Te Mata Estate. Named after the historic ocean liner SS Awatea, this flagship blend sits just below the legendary Coleraine in the estate’s hierarchy, yet consistently delivers exceptional quality and value. The 2023 vintage is composed of 52% Merlot, 33% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Cabernet Franc, matured for 15 months in French oak barrels before blending and further élevage. The vintage has been widely praised for its elegance, perfume and classical structure, with critics describing it as one of the finest recent releases.
The nose is beautifully perfumed and intensely expressive, revealing aromas of blackberry, cassis and wild raspberry layered with bay leaf, violet and subtle vanilla. As the wine opens, notes of black olive, sweet tobacco, raw cocoa and cedar emerge, complemented by hints of tarragon, fennel, graphite and gentle spice. The aromatic profile is refined and complex, balancing vibrant dark fruit with savoury herbal nuances and the unmistakable elegance that defines Te Mata’s Cabernet blends.
On the palate, it is medium to full-bodied with finely textured tannins, vibrant natural acidity and exceptional balance. Layers of plum, blackberry and ripe raspberry unfold seamlessly across the palate, supported by notes of black olive, sandalwood, cedar and subtle savoury herbs. The Merlot provides plushness and generosity, Cabernet Sauvignon delivers structure and cassis-driven precision, while Cabernet Franc contributes aromatic lift and freshness. Despite its impressive concentration, the wine remains poised and energetic, finishing long, polished and persistent with lingering notes of dark berries, graphite, cocoa and mineral complexity. The style is classically proportioned and beautifully restrained, offering more elegance than power while retaining outstanding ageing potential.
Ben’s Recommendation:
At Wine More Cellars, this is one of the best-value premium Bordeaux blends in the Southern Hemisphere. Compared to Te Mata Coleraine, Awatea is more approachable in its youth, with softer tannins, brighter fruit and earlier drinking appeal while still carrying the unmistakable DNA of the estate’s flagship wine. Compared to many richer New World Cabernet blends, the 2023 Awatea emphasises freshness, perfume and classical balance, making it an outstanding choice for lovers of Left Bank Bordeaux, Margaret River Cabernet blends and elegant Hawke’s Bay reds. Drink from 2026 onwards or cellar confidently through to 2038–2043. Perfect with roast lamb, beef Wellington, duck, venison, mushroom dishes, aged hard cheeses or classic French and New Zealand cuisine.
