DescriptionTe Mata Estate is New Zealand’s oldest winery, dating from the early 1890’s. Vines were first planted at Te Mata Estate in 1892 on three parcels of hillside land above the homestead. Today, Te Mata Estate still utilises those original three vineyards to produce its most famous wines; Coleraine, Awatea and Elston. The 2024 Elston Chardonnay leads with gentle toastiness, which frames notes of yellow peach, flint and preserved lemon. The fruit was handpicked and whole-bunch pressed, with clones Mendoza, 548 and 95 contributing layers of flavor and textural complexity. Press fractions between 450 and 500 liters were isolated separately, preserving detail and site nuance throughout élevage. The palate is rich and creamy yet balanced by juicy, saline acidity that brings freshness and shape to the wine. Primary fermentation was inoculated, while approximately 75% of the wine underwent wild malolactic fermentation. Maturation extended over 11 months in barrel, with a deliberate move toward less new oak, utilizing lighter toast profiles and reduced char influence. The oak handling feels increasingly refined: subtle threads of French vanilla and spice weave through the plush fruit profile without obscuring it. This is a generous yet composed wine—it is soft and expansive through the middle palate but carried long by bright acidity and a fine mineral line. This is very good. Wine Advocate 95