Aside from Wine Orbit’s 100-Point “GOAT” review, here are some other raves:
The Wine Advocate’s best ever:
The 2021 Coleraine is a superstar. It's the best I recall seeing on release in recent years, a total "pleasure-dome" situation. Tea tree, oyster shell, lavender, black tea and tobacco leaf burst from the glass. Seamless, polished tannins grace the palate. There is texturally more silk to the tannins here than the Awatea tasted beside this (another great wine, for what it's worth). There are notes of creamy red fruits, cassis and bramble, Asian five spice, black cherry and graphite/mineral skein. The persistence of flavor here is extraordinary; it's detailed and nuanced but insistent in the mouth. The tannins cup the fruit in the mouth. Winemaker Phil Brodie said there are no enzymes or added tannin; it's all from the vineyard. This is a blend of 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot and 12% Cabernet Franc. 2021 was left in barrel a little longer than the 2020 to refine the tannins. Drink: 2023-2043.
And Australia’s Real Review – which rates it equal to Penfolds Grange:
Very impressive Coleraine, possibly the best I have yet tasted. Quite Bordeaux-like with impressive density and complexity. Richly textured wine that is obviously youthful but easy to appreciate. Cassis, dark chocolate, vanilla, liquorice, mixed spice and anise are some of the more obvious flavours. Destined to become a classic. Drink: 2023–2040.
And Australia’s Wine Front:
Dark and intense, lots of perfume, red and black fruits, tobacco, a leafy pop that's pure varietal class, creamy oak, lead pencils, aniseed and spice. Medium to full-bodied, a flood of flavour, super 'mineral' feel to the acidity, tannin is superb, and the finish is so long. Light but so dense. There's a fresh raspberry juiciness here too, and an extra dimension of tension and energy. All the graphite and presence. Incredible wine.
Best ever for Suckling and Vinous, too.
