Te Mata Estate Zara Viognier

Established in 1896, Te Mata Estate remains family owned, producing internationally recognised wines exclusively from its Hawkes Bay vineyards.  Under the direction of John Buck, Te Mata Estate has, over nearly thirty years, produced a stunning array of red and white wines including famous labels such as Coleraine, Awatea cabernets/Merlots, Bullnose Syrah, Elston Chardonnay, Cape Crest Sauvignon Blanc and Zara Viognier. In Vintage_2012 Te Mata Estate launched Estate Vineyards, a collection sourced exclusively from their own vineyards and blended to represent the best qualities of their variety.

Since 1995, Te Mata Estate has led the way with New Zealand's production of Viognier (vee-on-yay) an exotic grape from France's Rhône Valley. Zara is affectionately named after Zara Buck, the first born child of the thrid generation of Te Mata Estate's Buck family.

Vineyards
On 19 and 27 March Vintage_2014, fully ripe Viognier grapes were hand harvested in several passes across the sloping, middle terrace of Te Mata Estate's Woodthorpe Terraces vineyard.

Vinification
The individually handled ferments were blended to enhance the wine's varietal complexity. The finished wine was fined and bottled in January Vintage_2015.

Tasting Notes
Bright gold, Zara '14 is unprecedented in its level of complexity and texture. Luscious aromas of white peach and white flowers give way to a soft, flowing palate of exotic mandarin, apricots, hazelnuts with hints of lavender and honeysuckle. Powerful yet restrained, luxurious yet subtle, Zara '14 fully delivers on New Zealand's oldest Viognier vines and an exceptional Hawke's Bay vintage. Voluptuous Viognier, Zara '14 is a shining star.