Te Mata Estate Gamay Noir Hawke's Bay 2021 earned 90 points from James Suckling. Bright, juicy and Beaujolais-inspired, it shows wild strawberry, red cherry, raspberry and floral spice with soft tannins and vibrant acidity. Fresh, silky and highly drinkable, with subtle savory depth and excellent food-pairing versatility.
Te Mata Estate Gamay Noir Hawke's Bay 2021 is one of the more distinctive New Zealand Gamays, crafted in a vibrant, Loire/Beaujolais-inspired style rather than a heavy Pinot-like expression. The 2021 vintage benefited from Hawke’s Bay’s warm, dry growing season, giving the wine excellent ripeness while preserving the bright acidity and freshness that define great Gamay.
Professional reviewers, including James Suckling, awarded it 90 points, praising its purity of fruit and lively structure. The wine opens with expressive aromas of wild strawberry, raspberry, red cherry and cranberry, layered with rose petal, cracked pepper and subtle earthy spice. On the palate it is medium-bodied, silky and energetic, with juicy red-fruit character balanced by savory undertones and fine, lightly chalky tannins.
Unlike richer New World reds, this Gamay emphasizes freshness, drinkability and finesse. The finish is clean and lifted, with lingering berry notes and gentle spice. Light oak influence keeps the fruit front and center.
It performs especially well slightly chilled and pairs beautifully with charcuterie, roast chicken, salmon, duck, mushroom dishes and soft cheeses. Fans of Cru Beaujolais or elegant Pinot Noir will likely appreciate its balance of brightness, texture and subtle complexity.
At its price point, it is widely viewed as an excellent value and a strong example of premium Southern Hemisphere Gamay.
