2025 Te Mata Estate Vineyards Gamay Noir

Te Mata Estate might be famous for their iconic Cabernet blends, but their work with Gamay is a serious insider tip. In fact, they were the ones who introduced this superior clone of Gamay Noir à Jus Blanc to New Zealand back in 1995. Today, it comes from a single site at their Woodthorpe Terraces vineyard and represents some of the best value in their entire portfolio.

The 2025 release is a textbook example of the style. The team uses 'maceration carbonique' for 68% of the fruit (the same technique used in Beaujolais) to lock in those vibrant, high-toned aromatics. The rest gets a traditional warm ferment to add a bit of backbone, followed by a quick eight-week nap in seasoned French oak.

It pours a deep ruby with a bright purple edge and absolutely bounces out of the glass. Expect a riot of candied cherries, Turkish delight and bubble gum. The palate is all about "quench-ability" with ripe raspberries and cherry syrup held together by powder-light tannins and a dusting of cinnamon spice. It is fresh, it is fun and it is begging to be chilled down for a sunny afternoon.