Te Motu 2021
Te Motu 2021
The flagship wine of our Waiheke Island vineyard, Te Motu is a Cabernet Sauvignon dominant blend with Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, and a touch of Carmenere, hand harvested from low-yielding vines.
The wine enjoys extended élevage and maturing in premium French oak before beginning a minimum 3 year term resting in bottle. On release, the wine shows elegance, complexity and firm yet supple tannins – the hallmarks of its longevity – and will continue to reward cellaring.
The 2021 vintage stands as one of the most concentrated and compelling wines produced at Te Motu in recent years.
A warm, dry growing season led to early budburst and significant drought stress throughout summer, naturally limiting yields and producing exceptionally small berries with intense flavour concentration. A welcome burst of rain in January refreshed the vines at a critical moment before further rainfall later in the season brought disease pressure and a demanding harvest.
Meticulous vineyard work, rigorous hand-sorting and careful fruit selection were essential. Every bunch was scrutinised to ensure only the finest fruit reached the winery.
The 2021 vintage also marked a significant chapter in Te Motu’s history, with Matt Dixon taking the reins as Head Winemaker. Having worked in the vineyard and winery since 2015, Matt brought a steady hand and unwavering attention to detail through one of the most challenging harvests in recent memory.
The result is a wine of remarkable depth and structure.
Dark cassis, blackberry and plum sit alongside notes of violets, cedar, graphite and dried herbs. The palate is powerful yet finely detailed, with concentrated fruit framed by firm tannins and vibrant acidity. While already showing impressive complexity, the wine remains youthful and tightly wound.
Low yields. Small berries. Serious structure.
Selected by The Real Review as a “One for the Cellar” wine in June 2026, the Te Motu 2021 is built for long-term ageing and is expected to reward careful cellaring for decades to come.
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COMPOSITION
COMPOSITION
52% Cabernet Sauvignon
26% Merlot
9% Malbec
4% Cabernet Franc
4% Carmenere
4% Syrah
Alcohol:
14.0% Contains 8.3 standard drinks
Contains sulphites
Sugar:
<1 g/l
Allergen info:
Contains sulphites. No egg/fish has been used in production.
VINTAGE NOTES
VINTAGE NOTES
The 2021 season was warm and dry from the outset, with early budbreak and ongoing drought stress leading to small, concentrated berries.
A late burst of rain in January refreshed the vines just in time for harvest, though further rainfall brought pressure as fruit came in - exceptional fruit - but we had our work cut out for us sorting damage to ensure only the best came in to the winery.
It was also a milestone year, with Matt Dixon taking the reins as head winemaker, bringing fresh energy and sharp focus to an already challenging vintage. Thanks to his leadership, meticulous hand-sorting, and the dedication of our vineyard team, the resulting wines are intense, focused, and built to age.
Low yields. Small berries. Serious structure.
A standout vintage defined by perseverance — and rewarded by purity.
CRITIC REVIEWS
CRITIC REVIEWS
Stephen Wong - The Real Review - 96 points.
Impressively sleek yet intense, this powerful, elegant cabernet blend is perfumed and expressive with unfolding layers of violet, cherry, blackberry bush, olive leaf, black licorice and new leather. Entirely unevolved on the palate, it is built around a dense and compact core of concentration, framed in substantial oak and tannic structure without overpowering the fruit. Just a hint of warmth on the finish peeps through the unfolding kaleidescope on the finish, hinting at its ripeness. One for the long haul. 04 May 2026
Drinking 2028–2044
