Te Mata was originally a sheep farm, which is hardly surprising as there are sheep in every valley in New Zealand. When Bernard Chambers inherited part of the land in the 19th century, he planted vines on it. The property was bought a century later in 1978 by the Buck and Morris families. The domaine boasts parcels on the northern slopes of three areas of the Hallelock Hills, Woothorpe Terrasse and Bridge Pa Triangle, which are managed in an environmentally friendly manner. Te Mata owes its international reputation to the domaine's oenologist Peter Cowley. Robert Parker referred to it as “the best domaine in New Zealand”. It produces 40,000 cases which are exported to 42 countries.

This cuvée is a Bordeaux blend with a majority of Merlot (52%). The nose has aromas of red fruits (strawberry and raspberry), liquorice, black fruits as well as floral notes. On the palate, it is rounded and suave, with delicate tannins. The finish opens up to aromas of black olive. A fruity wine to taste after 1 to 5 years of aging.