An interesting, and swift, re-visit to this wine that I tasted just in May of this year, at Waiheke Island producer Destiny Bay’s pre-release tasting in Auckland – read here > www.winefolio.co.nz/?p=14771. The 2014 Mystae is 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 11% Malbec, 9% Cabernet Franc, and 4% Petit Verdot, with a robust alcohol of 14.5%. The Cabernet Sauvignon is dominant, with the wine rounded out with a range of other varietals that reflect the plantings from across their vineyard. Mystae typically offers a contrast between the power of Cabernet and the juicy fruitiness of Merlot – the Merlot filling the hole in the middle of your palate that Cabernet conveniently leaves for it.
The perfume has those classic Cabernet aromas of cassis, black cherry and graphite, underpinned with plum, blueberry and liquorice. Amongst that there are more savoury and umami notes of truffle, green herbs, liquorice and mocha. Just starting to show some secondary flavours alongside those fleshy, plush fruits. Concentration, weight and depth are just the start of the conversation here, because the palate manages to be quite agile and energetic too. Acidity is just a part – perhaps the smallest of the trio with tannin (chiselled and supple) and oak (vanilla and toasty) playing a more leading role. Entering its drinking window now after a dozen years in bottle, there is still some softening to happen as it heads towards a seamless peak. The finish is very long, with a smooth spiciness. 97pts
