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A cluster of stars: MATARIKI

Premium boutique winery from Hawkes Bay, New Zealand makes elegant, well-balanced and intense wines from its privileged Gimblett Gravels Estates

By Simone Zarmati Diament

Matariki is the Maori name for the cluster of stars (Pleiades or “ seven sisters” in the US) which appears in the eastern sky usually around mid-June and disappears into the western sky in autumn as the hours of daylight shorten. On the first new moon after the Pleiades’ reappearance New Zealanders celebrate the Maori or lunar New Year at an annual Matariki Festival.

Matariki Wines, a premium boutique producer of classic Gimblett Gravels-based wines from the heart of Hawkes Bay – New Zealand’s warmest wine producing region, has released the new vintages: Matariki Quintology 2002, Matariki Syrah 2001, Matariki Pinot Noir 2004 and Matariki Sauvignon Blanc 2005.

A family business, Matariki is owned by New Zealanders: John and Rosemary O’Connor, who own 60 hectares of Gimblett Gravels, a controlled viticultural appellation – an ancient river bed, the first in the New World defined by a distinctly stony and gravelly soil type, or “ Terroir.” The advantage is drainage: the gravel dries up quickly, forcing the vines to send down longer, stronger shoots looking for water, resulting in stronger, more intense vines. And because this is the hottest part of the Hawkes Bay region, the wines have weight, excellent balance , lots of bright acidity and are capable of aging very well. All grapes for the Matariki brand are sourced from their estate vineyards.

Matariki 2002 Quintology ($42.99) Quintology is Matariki's flagship red blend of five classic grape varieties - Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Syrah. Estate grown from Matariki's exceptional vineyards in the acclaimed Gimblett Gravels region of Hawke's Bay. (Merlot 42%, Cabernet Sauvignon 23.5%. Malbec 21%, Cabernet Franc 8.5%, Syrah 5.0%), aged for 21 months in new and seasoned barrels. Deep ruby red with dark purple hues. With 13.5% alcohol, it is full-bodied with complex flavors of dark berry fruits with hints of spice, chocolate and smoky cedar. Ripe, rich fruits make this wine round and mouthfilling. The finish is lingering and elegant with fine silky tannins.

Matariki 2001 Syrah ($30.99) Intense ruby and garnet color and flavor come from this well-structured 100% Matariki Hawkes Bay Gimblett Road Vineyard Syrah which spent 17 months in French oak barriques and was fined and filtered prior to bottling. Complex aromas of plum, blackberry, clove and cinnamon with slight smoke and tar develop on the palate with added peppery flavors

Matariki 2004 Pinot Noir ($30.99) . 80.6% from Gimblett Gravels Vineyard in Hawke’s Bay and 19.4% Martinborough fruit were handpicked separately and kept separate until blending. Barrel-aged for 12 months in new and seasoned oak, this cherry red wine exhibits elegant cherry and strawberry aroma with underlying layers of oak spice and earthy notes. Supple soft tannins, rich red fruits and a balanced long finish make for a splendid Pinot Noir. Ready to drink now it will also improve with 3-4 years in the bottle

Matariki 2005 Sauvignon Blanc ($17.99) 100% Hand selected Sauvignon Blanc grapes from vineyard blocks located on Gimblett Road. Tempting bouquet of lime and tropical fruits with complex mineral notes. A delicous fresh Sauvignon Blanc, left on yeast lees for 3 months to add some richness and texture to the wine, shows a harmonious balance of acid and varietal fruit sweetness. Outstanding!

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