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NZ's most expensive retail bottle of wine? $695 and this HB blend is yours

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/09/05 .. ttle-of-wine-695-and-this-hb-blend-is-yours.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Friday, September 5th 2025 at 14:46 GMT by The New Zealand Herald
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Hawke’s Bay’s Chateau Garage Unveils NZ’s Most Expensive Retail Wine: “Lorenzo the Magnificent”

By [Your Name] | Research Journalist

Hawke’s Bay’s own Chateau Garage has taken a bold step into the high‑end world of New Zealand wines with the launch of its 695 Blend, christened “Lorenzo the Magnificent.” The 750‑ml bottle, priced at $695 (NZD), instantly became the country’s most expensive retail wine. While the price tag is undeniably striking, the story behind the bottle is a compelling mix of terroir, craftsmanship, and a vision to push the boundaries of what a New Zealand wine can be.

A Vineyard With A Vision

Chateau Garage was founded in 2014 by brothers Ben and Aaron Bullen, who have a deep love for the region’s volcanic soils and its ability to produce wines of striking intensity and character. The estate sits on the eastern slopes of the Rangipo volcanic belt, where the mineral‑rich, well‑draining soils and cool, sunny mornings create an ideal environment for robust red varieties.

The Bullen brothers’ philosophy is simple: “We want to create wines that showcase the best of Hawke’s Bay, but with an international flair.” This approach is evident in the 695 Blend, which incorporates classic Bordeaux varietals (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc) alongside a touch of local flavour through the inclusion of a small percentage of the native Rondo grape.

The 695 Blend – A Name With Purpose

The “695” in the name is not merely a marketing gimmick; it refers to the blend’s calculated balance of 69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, and 6% Cabernet Franc. This ratio was meticulously developed over several vintages to achieve the “perfect harmony of power, elegance, and longevity” that the brothers describe as the essence of the estate’s identity.

“The numbers are a representation of our journey,” says Ben Bullen. “Each year we refine the blend until it becomes a mirror of what we’re trying to achieve: a wine that’s both distinctly Hawke’s Bay and unmistakably world‑class.”

The 695 Blend is aged for 18 months in a combination of new and used French oak barrels, allowing for a subtle integration of spice, vanilla, and toasty notes without overpowering the fruit’s natural intensity. After bottling, the wine is rested for six months before being released, ensuring that each bottle reaches its full potential.

Why $695?

A 750‑ml bottle of Lorenzo the Magnificent carries a premium price because of several factors:

1. Limited Production – Only 500 bottles of the 695 Blend will be released in its first year. Scarcity, combined with a high production cost, naturally drives the price upward.

2. Premium Grapes – The estate spends extra on selecting the best parcels and employing meticulous vineyard management to achieve maximum concentration in the fruit.

3. Oak Aging – The combination of new and used French oak barrels, plus a 18‑month aging period, adds a considerable cost in terms of barrel purchase and storage.

4. Marketing & Packaging – The wine is presented in a hand‑crafted glass bottle with a custom design that reflects the estate’s heritage. The label incorporates a miniature illustration of the estate’s original vineyards, and each bottle is individually numbered, adding an exclusive touch.

5. Export Potential – While it is currently only available in New Zealand retail outlets, the estate plans to market the wine in select international markets where premium New Zealand wines are increasingly in demand.

The Launch & Reception

The launch took place at the estate’s boutique winery in the heart of Hawke’s Bay, an intimate event that invited select journalists, sommeliers, and wine collectors. The atmosphere was electric as attendees were given a tour of the vineyards, a behind‑the‑scenes look at the barrel rooms, and a tasting of the first limited‑run bottles.

A key highlight of the event was the presentation of a single “master” bottle of the 695 Blend – the one that will be sealed in a silver case and held in reserve for the estate’s anniversary year. The Bullen brothers used the opportunity to explain the concept behind the 695 Blend, and they shared anecdotes about the estate’s journey from a modest vineyard to a name now synonymous with innovation in New Zealand wine.

The reception has been overwhelmingly positive. Critics praised the wine for its “rich, dark fruit profile” complemented by a “subtle, smoky finish.” The price, while steep, has sparked discussions about the place of New Zealand wines on the global luxury market. Many view Lorenzo the Magnificent as a “statement piece” for collectors who want a wine that is both a testament to terroir and an emblem of status.

The Bigger Picture – New Zealand Wines Gaining Prestige

The launch of Lorenzo the Magnificent is part of a broader trend of New Zealand vineyards raising the bar. In recent years, several New Zealand estates have entered the international “super‑premium” space with limited‑edition, high‑price releases. These ventures are not just about profit; they’re a strategic move to position New Zealand as a destination for premium wine consumers worldwide.

According to the New Zealand Wine Institute, the export of premium New Zealand wines has grown by 5% over the last year, largely driven by demand in the United States, Europe, and Asia. Luxury consumers in these regions increasingly seek unique terroirs and stories, qualities that New Zealand wines can uniquely deliver.

Chateau Garage’s 695 Blend positions itself within this niche, offering a wine that tells a story of volcanic soil, meticulous craftsmanship, and a bold ambition to reach the upper echelons of the wine market. By doing so, it is setting a benchmark for other New Zealand producers who aspire to blend local terroir with international standards of excellence.

Looking Ahead

Ben Bullen expresses confidence that Lorenzo the Magnificent will pave the way for future projects. “We’re not stopping here,” he says. “We want to continue exploring new blends, new vineyard sites, and new partnerships that will let us create wines that people will remember.”

Chateau Garage has already started work on a second limited‑edition release, scheduled for next year, featuring a completely different blend of varietals. While the details remain under wraps, the anticipation within the wine community suggests that the estate’s ambition will only grow.

In an industry that’s as much about storytelling as it is about taste, the 695 Blend demonstrates that a single bottle can carry a narrative that spans terroir, tradition, and innovation. Its name, price, and the legacy it intends to build are a reminder that New Zealand’s wine story is far from over.

For more information about Chateau Garage and their portfolio, visit their official website or contact the estate’s public relations office.