Ranked #1 of 36 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc from Hawke's Bay
98/100
5 Stars
Bob Campbell
Very impressive Coleraine, possibly the best I have yet tasted. Quite Bordeaux-like with impressive density and complexity. Richly textured wine that is obviously youthful but easy to appreciate. Cassis, dark chocolate, vanilla, liquorice, mixed spice and anise are some of the more obvious flavours. Destined to become a classic
Tasted: 07/03/2023
Drink: 2023 to 2040
98 Points Robert Parker
The 2021 Coleraine is the third in a trio of great vintages and comprises a blend of 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot and 12% Cabernet Franc. The bouquet is all bramble and spice, with fresh grated nutmeg, a hint of star anise, raw cocoa, raspberry seed, cassis, new leather and iodine. There is also a crushed oyster shell aspect here that I find most appealing. On the palate, the tannins make their presence felt in a register of tactile chewiness and encourage movement and thought. Ultimately, while I find this vintage to be stylistically aligned with 2020, it is very different in its final impact. It feels to me as if 2021 harnesses the structure and intrigue of 2019 with the creamy lushness of 2020 and puts them together in a burst of balance. This wine is like a star coming into existence—there's a bang, a burst of light and a settling period—and it's astoundingly good. 14% alcohol, sealed under natural cork.
Published: Jun 06, 2025 Drink 2025 - 2051.
Source: Robert Parker.
97 Points Huon Hooke huonhooke.com
Very deep bright purple colour; the bouquet shows similar mulberry, blackcurrant and raspberry fruit aromas as the Awatea but the wine is more concentrated all-round and shows a little more oak (65% new). There are violet notes and a sprinkle of spices including nutmeg too. The tannins are more persuasive and mouth-coating also, and the length is prodigious. A smashing cabernet blend, and a top vintage for this wine. (56% cabernet sauvignon, 32% merlot, 12% cabernet franc) Drink 2025 - 2041.
Source: Huon Hooke huonhooke.com.