Alma 18 is a triumph of aromatic wild strawberry, black cherry, currants, marzipan, sage and sandalwood. Established in 1896, Te Mata Estate remains family owned, producing internationally recognized wines exclusively from its Hawkes Bay vineyards. A temperate maritime climate with low rainfall, due to the rain shadow from mountains to the west, ensures Te Matas sites make the most of every vintage. At the heart of Te Mata Estate are the Havelock Hills Vineyards - the first legally-protected vineyards in New Zealand. Te Mata has five sites on these free draining, north-facing slopes. Soils to the east are mostly sandy loam over a sandstone base, and towards the west are sandy loam over a thin layer of clay and a silica pan. The distinctive shape of the hills is due to their comparative youth, in geological terms. At the meeting point of two tectonic plates, sandstone has been pushed up then worn away relatively quickly leaving a landscape of steep and gentle slopes, and terraces ideal for grape-growing. Under vine for over 120 years, and including some of the oldest grape growing sites in New Zealand, the Havelock Hills are protected for their distinct character, special ambience and unique viticultural heritage.

These wines are renowned as much because of the estates prestigious holdings as for their lush fruit, generous oak and polished countenance. Expect vivid florals and dense blue to darker fruit accents, with abundant spice. There are two major names associated with the domaine. The first is Etienne Camuzet, a political figure, his name frequently appears in litigation to decide which parcels of vineyard might or might not be included as part of a grand cru. His holdings were ultimately bequeathed to a distant relative, Jean Méo. At this stage the vineyards were leased and the wine sold off in bulk. Domaine-bottling only began in 1985 and reached full throttle with the arrival of son, Jean-Nicolas Méo in 1989. Jean-Nicolas focused on the worlds greatest Burgundy markets: the United States and Japan. The other name, however, is the great Henri Jayer. Jayer was a sharecropper early on and the Jean-Nicolas mentor. The Frères et Soeurs label connotes the passing of the baton to the younger generation and the outsourcing of fruit as an upscale negoçe. Based in Vosne, this stands to be a Bourgogne of heady florals and an exotic allure.

Winemaker’s comments: The Tiger Pinot Noir is a single vineyard wine made from grapes grown in our Tiger vineyard in the Lowburn sub-region. The vineyard is on sloping land up off the valley floor and this elevated cooler position allows the vineyard to ripen slowly, building layer upon layer of flavour nuance and soft silky tannins. The wines from this vineyard typically display spicy aromatic red berry fruits and violets. The palate is characterised by a broad structure and layers of fine integrated tannin and fruit which is more textural than structural. The Tiger is always quite shy and reticent in its youth and after 4-5 years in bottle it really blossoms and expresses itself. Wine notes: Opens with an aromatic potpourri of fresh red berry fruit, warm spice, and dried herbs. There are layers of fine silky tannins. The broad structure provides a seamless frame and space for the lingering interplay of red berry and savoury flavours slowly fading with calm persistent clarity and detail.

Moss Wood are not know for their Pinot Noir, however this is a fine a unique expression of region and variety. A fruit bomb of rich and integrated flavours of cherry, spice, charry oak and silky finesse on the finish. The flavours pop and linger in the mouth long after the wine has left it.

Lovely blood plum & strawberry notes with hints of aged beef.