Coleraine is New Zealand’s most famous red wine. First produced in 1982, this classic blend of cabernet sauvignon, merlot and cabernet franc displays the concentration, complexity and elegance found in the world’s finest wines.
Sam Kim, Wine Orbit 100/100
This is a masterpiece, much like a great work of art. The bouquet shows cassis, dark plum, bouquet garni, baking spice, rich floral, and cedar characters. It’s concentrated with exceptional depth and mouth-coating texture, wonderfully framed by finely polished tannins. It’s perfectly proportioned and gracefully powerful, combining scintillating fruit purity with seductive complexity. The wine flows seamlessly to a persistent, structured finish. Feb 2026
James Suckling 98/100
Superlative balance. Aromas of blackberries, currants, blueberries, graphite and dark tobacco with hints of bark, violets and licorice. Medium-bodied with ultra-fine velvety tannins and a seamless, cashmere texture. So caressing and polished. Bright and vivid at the end. 58% cabernet sauvignon. 31% merlot and 11% cabernet franc. Will be released March 1. You could drink this tonight and enjoy it, but it will age.
Dave Brookes, Halliday’s Wine Companion 98/100
The iconic blend of 58/31/11% cabernet sauvignon/merlot/cabernet franc. Tiny berries in '24, destemmed, 30 days' maceration, matured in French oak, 70% new, for 20 months. Deep magenta/crimson with enticing aromas of pure blackberry, damson plum, black cherry and blackcurrant fruits over hints of fine spice, dried tobacco, pencil case, crème de cassis, gentle crushed meadow herbs, violets, cocoa nibs, cedar, vanilla bean and earth. Such an elegant, graceful presentation of ripe black fruits on the palate, slender and supple, layered and kinetic. This has superfine powdered-gravel tannins and a finish that seems to roll forever. A classic from a superb vintage, this is just a no-brainer and a wine that sits right at the top of the New Zealand fine-wine hierarchy.
