While more and more producers are starting to buck the trend of New Zealand's Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc loving image, there is one estate that has been ahead of the game for nearly 40 years, the iconic Te Mata.

Now marking its 38th release, the Te Mata Coleraine 2018 is a 'classic' (BC). Likened to the greatest Cabernet Sauvignon blends in the world, James Suckling has named Coleraine 'New Zealand’s Sassicaia', The Real Review's Huon Hooke calls it 'New Zealand's Grange equivalent' and Decanter have recently classified this superstar 'New Zealand's First Growth', placing it in the lofty realms of Bordeaux's Pauillac legends.

Scoring double 98 points from Bob Campbell MW and Huon Hooke, 97 points from James Suckling and 96 points from Vinous's Rebecca Gibb MW, the 2018 Coleraine has 'terrific depth' and 'exquisite balance' (BC). Packed with youthful vitality, energising acidity and primary fruit, 'there is layer upon layer of flavor here' (VN). Gibb believes it is a clear 'smash hit that will easily improve over the coming two decades', but Hooke goes further, giving it a drinking window up to 2048.

The Buck Family have been at the helm of Te Mata since 1978 but the estate itself is steeped in history. Converted from old stables in the 1890s, Te Mata is the longest running commercial winery in the whole of New Zealand, with the first vines planted 130 years ago.

The Te Mata Coleraine 2018 is undoubtedly a top-quality Bordeaux blend, but at only £280 IB per case IB, it doesn't have the hefty price-tag of many of its notable French or Italian counterparts.