First planted in 1999, Te Mata’s twenty-year pinot noir vision comes to fruition with the 1 July global release of Te Mata Estate Alma Pinot Noir.
This ambitious multi-decade project reflects Te Mata Estate’s dedication to the highest standards of New Zealand fine wine. These are the first new Te Mata Estate wines released this century from the premium producer of New Zealand reds and capture Te Mata’s exacting standards of excellence, quality and finesse.
This is pinot noir that speaks of its mature, low-cropped origins, a blend of four clones, grown on inland, elevated, river terraces, hand-harvested, with every step of production under the direct control of Te Mata Estate’s Philip Brodie.
Midnight-dark with a deep crimson edge, Alma ’18 is a triumph of aromatic wild strawberry, black cherry, currants, marzipan, sage and sandalwood. The palate’s ripe, sustained, structure reveals a parade of spice and brooding, soft, dark, berry fruits and rich savoury tannins – set to unfurl with time. Cherry, black plum, cinnamon and smoke, all glide across a palate which is wonderfully deep-set.
Finely-dressed for its debut, the premiere release of Alma ’18 is modern, majestic, and enchanting in its detail.
The introduction of Alma ’18 is accompanied by Estate Vineyards Pinot Noir ’18.
Alma Pinot Noir ’18 and Estate Vineyards Pinot Noir ’18 is strictly allocated across all markets and will be available in 750ml bottles. Alma Pinot Noir is priced at $59.90RRP and Estate Vineyards Pinot Noir ’18 at $29.90RRP.
THE BATTLE OF ALMA
Alma celebrates Dr James Thomson, a hero of the 1854 Battle of the Alma during the Crimean War and forefather to Te Mata Estate’s Buck family. Knowing the vanquished enemy soldiers had already contracted cholera, Dr Thomson volunteered to tend to their wounds, saving the lives of over four hundred, and sacrificing his own in the process. His act of selfless humanity remains worthy of the highest possible praise. It is commemorated by a monument in the Scottish Highlands near his home, and by the medal he was awarded for his valour. That medal appears on the label of Alma Pinot Noir.