Te Mata Estate Winery, Coleraine, Hawke's Bay, 2014

The second hottest and second earliest vintage on record, 2014 is a stunning follow up to the 2013. This precocious vintage benefited from judiciously timed rainfall that was never excessive. Rich, ripe and fleshy blackcurrant and berry fruits dominate the palate, supported by spicy oak on the finish. For Coleraine this is quite a forward style, but perhaps without the intense focus of the 2013. It needs at least 2-3 years for the rather firm tannins to meld.

2013 was a hard act to follow and yet this warm, dry season has produced wines of similar concentration, and more structure, than the earlier harvest. If 2013 is a classic new world style then 2014 leans toward the more savoury, elegant and perfumed Bordeaux model - an example of elegance on a grand scale. It's a heady mix of ripe berry fruits, fresh herbs and floral characters. A stylish, concentrated wine with great potential.