Te Mata Merlot Cabernets 2021

"Pencils, black fruit, black olive, violet, spice. Medium-bodied, ripe tannin, rich, zesty, green and black olive, blue and red fruit. aniseed, crushed berries, such a good wine, so lively and packed with dark berry fruit and saline flavour. Firm grip of tannin on a very long finish. All the things. Impeccable. Hard to imagine a better value, and more serious Bordeaux blend at this price point. Incredible."  94+ Points & Top Value Gary Walsh, Winefront

"This is instantly seductive on the nose showing blackcurrant, floral, subtle tobacco and toasted almond characters. The palate has excellent weight and fruit intensity, superbly complemented by spice nuances and finely flowing mouthfeel. Beautifully integrated chalky tannins provide classic structure and length, offering gorgeous drinking."  95 Points Sam Kim, Wine Orbit

"Moderately intense wine with cassis, plum, blackberry, new leather and nutty oak flavours. Impressive wine for an entry level red that obviously received a boost from a favourable vintage." Bob Campbell

The blend is 49% Merlot, 43% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Cabernet Franc.

We've said it for years, when a winery has an excellent vintage, their whole line up, from top to bottom lifts and the entry level wine, can represent stunning value and this what we have today.  This is smart wine buying.