Destiny Bay is a Waiheke Island producer that I visited pre-Covid, and tasted through the range, both in barrel and in bottle – see my article here > https://winefolio.co.nz/?p=5201). The 2020 vintage Mystae has Cabernet Sauvignon as the dominant varietal (54%) and then sees a range of additional input from the across their plantings of Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. A dark, almost black-ruby colour in the glass. On the nose, are quintessential Cabernet scents of cassis, elderberry and graphite, underpinned with blueberry, plum and liquorice. Finally, a floral lift of violet and lavender. Still quite tight and young, the body is undoubtedly concentrated and structured. Not to say it is not approachable, with a double decant and some care, the plush fruit blooms above the backbone of supple tannin. There is an oak influence here – sweet and toasty, but not obstructing; as the full spectrum of flavours here plays out around it. Peppery spice and a bite of umami and bitters at the finish just add to the ‘wow factor’. Look for this to continue on an upward trajectory for over a decade. 97pts
Destiny Bay ‘Mystae’ 2020
