Te Mata Cape Crest Sauvignon Blanc 2022

The fully ripe grapes for Cape Crest ’22 were hand harvested from individual plots within Te Mata Estate’s vineyards between 28 February and 13 March 2022. The separate parcels were each destemmed and lightly crushed, then cooled before a brief period of skin contact. Following pressing and cold-settling, they were run to a mixture of new and seasoned French oak barrels for fermentation. The resulting wines were aged on lees, with regular stirring, for a further 11 months before bottling in February 2023. Cape Crest ’22 is a blend of 88% sauvignon blanc, 7% sauvignon gris and 5% semillon. Radiating a mesmerizing white-gold hue adorned with shimmering green lights and bursting with its signature perfume – vibrant concentrated nectarine, grapefruit and lime zest with lemongrass, guava and subtle toast notes. The attack broadens into ripe stone fruit and herbal seasoning, developing remarkable richness across the length of the palate. A balanced weight and crystalline acidity add to the immense fruit concentration and long savoury, saline finish. An embodiment of excellence. Is this the best Cape Crest yet? Certainly, it’s the most complex and complete.