Destiny Bay Dulce Suavi 2016

Estate Bottled Wine of New Zealand

Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot Grown,

Produced and Bottled By Destiny Bay Wines 379 Gordons Road, Waiheke Island

Vintage Detail: Cool spring, above average temperatures through summer & harvest with above average rainfall

Vinified Tonnage/Acre: .75 - 1.0 tonnes

Residual Sugar: 89g/L

Bottles Produced: 1400

Alcohol: 12.3%

WINEMAKER’S TASTING NOTES: The rarest wine produced by Destiny Bay, the Dulce Suavi (Latin for “Sweet Kiss”) is only made under exceptional conditions. Similar to 2012, the vineyard had a later and longer ripening season in 2016 which allowed us an even rarer opportunity – the chance to make a 5-varietal Dulce Suavi blend. Throughout the vintage we left select parcels of Merlot and Malbec in the vineyard as we awaited the Cabernets to develop their signature late harvest sugar levels. On the final pick of the season a 4-varietal field blend was brought into the winery and carefully managed through a slow vinification before arresting the ferment to capture sweetness, acidity and alcohol as they converged into balance.After spending 4 months aging with French and American oak staves, a small portion of Petit Verdot was blended to support the acidity while adding notes of blueberry. Arguably the most enigmatic of Dulce Suavis, this wine offers raspberry, blackberry, and rose petals backed up by vanilla and caramel on the long finish.