Wine Writer Paul White Visits Destiny Bay
 "Magna Praemia's firm, but finely tuned, tannic structure is central to its aesthetic appeal. A decidedly masculine style, nevertheless, the wine shows a restrained muscularity more reminiscent of a gymnast than a heavyweight boxer," reported Paul White after his visit to Destiny Bay several months ago. Dr. White is a distinguished wine judge, writer, critic and lecturer on wine. After touring the vineyard and winery Paul spent several hours tasting the wines from the 2005 through 2008 vintages.
"We are honored that a wine writer of Paul's caliber took the time to get to know our wines," stated Sean Spratt, General Manager and Winemaker at Destiny Bay. "Fine wine takes time to make and time to appreciate, and Paul understands that."
In his full article in Caviar Affair Magazine, Paul also wrote, "There is little point in making wine on prime real estate unless it aims to take on the world's best, so no expense has been spared towards that end. Left to grow on their own, Destiny Bay's vines could produce six or seven tons per acre, but intensive culling over the season reduces that to the one or two tons required to produce the concentration and structure demanded of great wine."
Read the full story in Caviar Affair here.
Hong Kong Distributor Selected for Destiny Bay
 Brett Taylor, Destiny Bay's Global Director of Distribution announced in mid- May that Destiny Bay had selected Merit Wine Boutique to act as the company's agent in Hong Kong and Macau. "We have been talking with Eric Kwok and his partners at Merit Wine Boutique for some time now and are delighted to be moving forward on this partnership."
In addition to owning and operating Merit Wine Boutique, Eric Kwok is a Senior Sommelier and a committee member of the Hong Kong Sommelier Association. During April, Eric toured Destiny Bay with a group of his followers and friends along with several celebrity chefs and distinguished professionals. "It was wonderful," stated Eric, "We got to meet the Destiny Bay team, tour the vineyard, pick Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, help them sort the fruit on their amazing processing line, and taste wines being fermented. It was just a wonderful day for me and my guests. We now really understand why these wines are so special."
For trade and distribution information in Hong Kong and Macau, visit: http://www.meritwine.com.hk
Accolades from Hawkesby
 Television celebrity, writer and wine critic John Hawkesby recently penned an article for World Collections on the emergence of New Zealand red wines.
"New Zealand reds, long in the shadow of our whites, are now emerging as serious wines with a purity of fruit, excellent tannins and a silky texture with poise and balance. The really good ones are quickly developing cult status and although not cheap by New Zealand standards are genuine value for money when compared to their overseas Old World equivalents. Here are three of the best that any serious wine drinker should have in their cellar."
He goes on to cite Destiny Bay's 2006 Magna Praemia as one of those wines. "Magna Praemia is smooth, rich, supple, long, complex and silky, with loads of plum and spice flavours. From Latin, meaning 'great rewards', Magna Praemia is well named. One to cellar for eight to 10 years, it will be well worth the wait."
Read the full article.
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Successful Launch of Futures Program in California
 The Destiny Bay Patron club launched in California in March at a special event at 231 Elsworth, in Palo Alto. "It was a wonderful evening of wine and food and we were delighted how many people embraced our wines and the opportunity to become part of our favoured collector group," stated Mark Feldman, Director and owner of Destiny Bay Wine Imports LLC. "Chris Templin was a perfect host and is a valued patron and sponsor of our wines. We look forward to a long relationship with 231 and the many enthusiasts who joined our Patron Club after the event."
More information on the Destiny Bay Patron Club in the USA can be found here.
For information in New Zealand, the U.K., Hong Kong and Australia register here.
2010 Vintage - "A Collector's Year"
Destiny Bay along with two dozen other producing vineyards on Waiheke Island enjoyed a growing season that prompted one producer to proclaim it a "collector's year". The 2010 vintage began inauspiciously with a a poor fruit set in the Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Early skepticism turned to optimism when a pattern of hot dry weather settled in. A dusting of rain in early February provided just enough hydration to sustain the fruit through one of the warmest and driest seasons on record. Disease pressure was at a minimum and fruit concentration at a maximum. The result was a record harvest volume of deeply concentrated and intensely flavoured fruit.
Wine Specialists Join Forces
Destiny Bay has joined forces with an elite group of iconic New Zealand wine brands to promote their individual wines in international and domestic markets. Destiny Bay (Cabernet Blends), Number 1 Family Estate (Methode Traditionelle), The Hay Paddock (Syrah), Vinoptima (Gewurztraminer) and The Wooing Tree (Pinot Noir), announced in late January the formation of The Specialist Winegrowers of New Zealand. Each member specialises in a single variety or style of wine. "The fact that we do not compete with each other opens the door for a level of cooperation that is unusual in this industry. Our announcement has created enthusiasm and support in the domestic and international wine press," stated Mike Spratt, one of the founders of the organisation. David Cox, European Director for the New Zealand Wine Institute, commented in early February, "This is an interesting development and any initiative that enhances further the premium positioning of New Zealand wines is to be welcomed. This collection of Specialist Winegrowers represents a particularly fine group of super-premium wineries and together they speak volumes about where NZ wine is currently."
For more information about The Specialist Winegrowers of New Zealand send us an email.
The Spare Barrel
The Spare Barrel is a new section of our newsletter that covers stories and points of interest from the world of wine.
Recently we came across an interesting interview with Michael Mondavi. It may be good to be big, but it is better to be good. In Harpers UK, Mondavi comments on why big corporations can't succeed in the fine wine market. Worth a look if you have not already seen it.
Want a piece of paradise?
A beach front lifestyle block next to Destiny Bay has just been placed on the market. If you ever fancied owning a little piece of paradise, this might be your chance. More information can be found here. |
