Category:
 
Red Wines
Sub-Category:  
 
Red Wines
Producer:
 
Destiny Bay
Label Name:
 
Destinae
Vintage:
 
2020
Country:
 
New Zealand
Region:
 
Waiheke Island, Auckland
Volume:
 
750ml
ABV:
 
14.2%
Grape(s):
 
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot
Method:
 
Bordeaux-style blend using free-run and press fractions; fermented in stainless/wood and matured ~12 months in 60% French / 40% American oak (≈35% new barrels, remainder 1–2 year barrels).
Acidity:
 
4
Tannins:
 
5
Sweetness:
 
1
Body:
 
5
Length:
 
4
Aroma Intensity:
 
5
Best Temperature:
 
16-18
Tasting Note:
 
Concentrated dark berries and black cherry with blackcurrant, milk chocolate, clove, tobacco and graphite notes. Full-bodied, bold fine-grained tannins, lively acidity and a long, spiced oak finish.
Food Pairing:
 
Western: roast lamb, grilled ribeye, braised beef, aged cheddar, mushroom risotto. Asian: Peking duck, char siu, Korean BBQ (bulgogi/galbi), beef rendang, miso-glazed aubergine.
Vineyard Info:
 
Family-owned, single-estate producer on Waiheke Island making small-allocation, high-end Bordeaux-style blends (Destinae, Mystae, Magna Praemia); strong critical acclaim.
Awards/Ratings:
 
James Suckling 95/100 (2020); Cameron Douglas MS 94pts; Michael Cooper 5 stars for the 2020 vintage; positive note from Rebecca Gibb MW