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Peter Cowley

A Legacy Forged in Wine

In the annals of New Zealand winemaking, a hero often emerges, an exemplar that sets a soaring standard for the industry to follow. Te Mata Estate, nestled in the heart of Hawke's Bay, assumed this mantle under the stewardship of Peter Cowley, who dedicated an impressive 34 years to the estate's legacy. Now retired, fitting with his remarkable journey, Gourmet Traveller WINE's New Zealand Winemaker of the Year recognized his indelible impact, while a unique Lifetime Achievement Award honored his contributions to the world of wine.

The rise of Te Mata Estate as a beacon of excellence synchronously mirrored Peter Cowley's arrival in 1984 as the sole winemaker. In an audacious move, two years prior, the estate had released the inaugural vintage of Coleraine—a blend of red Bordeaux varieties—that left the wine community awe-struck. It was an audacious feat to create such an opulent wine in a country often tagged as "suited for white wines only." The 1982 Coleraine shattered skepticism, and Cowley's task was to build upon that triumph, guiding Te Mata to maintain its pioneering stance as other labels followed Coleraine's trail.

Elevating New Zealand wine to international acclaim, Peter Cowley's magnum opus, Coleraine, stands as an icon revered by connoisseurs globally. Its resonance within serious wine cellars is akin to a revered hymn. Coleraine established a benchmark against which wines of its kind are measured. In a testament to its longevity, tasting two full verticals of Coleraine, spanning 32 vintages each, showcased the wines' remarkable evolution, aging gracefully while retaining their fruit-forward essence.

Beyond the resounding success of Coleraine, the Special Lifetime Achievement Award acknowledges Cowley's broader influence. Te Mata Bullnose Syrah, one of the early exemplars of its kind in Hawke's Bay, bears his signature, inspiring others to embrace the varietal. Te Mata Elston Chardonnay, with nearly 35 vintages to its name, demonstrates his versatility, extending his mastery beyond red wine.

As the curtain falls on this chapter of Peter Cowley's winemaking odyssey, the echoes of his legacy resonate far beyond the vineyards he tended. With an unwavering commitment to excellence and an imprint that has shaped the very essence of Te Mata Estate, Cowley's journey is a beacon of inspiration for the generations that follow, a testament to the enduring allure and craftsmanship of New Zealand's wine story.

By Peter Cowley

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