Description Te Mata Estate – New Zealand’s “First Growth” As Decanter’s Andy Howard MW has described, Te Mata Estate holds a status in New Zealand akin to a Bordeaux First Growth. Founded in Hawke’s Bay, it is one of the country’s oldest and most respected wineries, with a reputation built on both heritage and consistent excellence. Wine critics such as Michael Morrism have emphasized Te Mata’s unique standing, and under John Buck’s leadership the estate has developed its own “grand cru” identity within New Zealand. Among its wines, Coleraine is the flagship—a Bordeaux-style blend that has become a symbol of prestige, often served to heads of state and dignitaries. For New Zealanders, Te Mata occupies a cultural and qualitative position even higher than Cloudy Bay, reflecting its role as a benchmark for fine wine in the country. Coleraine, in particular, is regarded as one of the Southern Hemisphere’s greatest red wines, combining power, elegance, and remarkable aging potential.
