Te Mata are New Zealand's oldest winery, family owned and operated, they produce world class efforts, from fruit exclusively grown to estate vineyards in the Ngatarawa Triangle of Hawkes Bay. Originally planted in 1990, the Bullnose Vineyard's old red iron soils are Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand accredited, they yield precious harvests of Te Mata's finest Syrah.
Bullnose Vineyard is named after the pre-1928 horseless carriage owned by proprietor Morris Cowley, nicknamed Bullnose due to its distinctive radiator. Always a single vineyard wine, over time its make up has evolved from the original single clone of Shiraz to an assemblage of several. All the parcels are hand picked, kept separate and handled in a traditional manner. Bunches are destemmed and crushed, treated to a warm, hand plunged vinification with a course of extended skin maceration before pressing and completion of secondary malolactic ferments. The individual wines are run to a mixture of new and seasoned French oak barrels for fifteen months maturation, egg white fining and assemblage.
Dark crimson colour. Complex aromas of boysenberry, raspberry, red plum, red roses and allspice. The palate is full and even with great balance and purity of varietal expression. Powdery tannins provide structure and a long, elegant finish. Te Mata will continue to evolve rich harmonies and complexity, a gourmande's accompaniement to eastern spiced lamb or rosemary venison bangers.
