Destiny Bay Vineyards Magna Praemia

99/100 James Suckling : « A powerful and structured wine that is like a Frank Stella sculpture, with incredible form and energy. It’s full and solid with a soulful feel. Super depth. So thought-provoking and harmonious, yet there’s plenty of strength »

Destiny Bay Vineyards is located on Waiheke Island in the Hauraki Gulf approximately 19km northeast of Auckland, New Zealand. The site is characterized by moderately steep, naturally draining slopes that form a crater shaped bowl that faces and is open to the northern sun. The high east, south and west ridges of the vineyard shelter the vines from the strong winds. Waiheke's climate is distinctive from other parts of New Zealand in that it is hotter and drier and has a climate that shares more in common with parts of Bordeaux, France and Napa than vineyards in other regions of New Zealand. However, unlike Bordeaux and Napa, Waiheke Island has a true maritime climate that acts like a natural air conditioner and prevents heat spikes. This unique interaction of soil, site, and climate, combined with meticulous wine-making techniques and controls enables Destiny Bay to produce a small release of distinctive, well-balanced, full-bodied cabernet blends.  

The wine was aged for 10 months in oak barriques. 60% in French oak and 40% in American oak. The proportion of new barrique barrels was 40%. Before bottling, the wine was minimally filtered.

This blend is dominated by deep press fractions of Cabernet Sauvignon and is reminiscent of a “Left Bank” Bordeaux-style wine. Optimum balance and character are achieved through the addition of free-run and press fractions of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot. Fine, dense tannins give this wine great structure and long-term ageing potential. The name Magna Praemia is latin for « great rewards. »