Featured Reviews




Pegasus Bay – Waipara's Best

22 February,2012

Established in 1986 and with their first vintage in 1991, Pegasus Bay is the elder statesman of the Waipara Valley region. Such is the quality of the wines across its entire range that Pegasus Bay is also regarded as one of New Zealand's very best wine producers. However, the Riesling and Pinot Noir wines are acclaimed as the highlights for Pegasus Bay, and it happens too that these varieties are what the Waipara region has become best known for. The Donaldson family own and operate the business and their success is remarkable, each of the family members playing key roles. Eldest son Matthew and his wife Lynnette Hudson head the winemaking responsibilities and their particular interest in Pinot Noir and the wines of Burgundy has no doubt propelled their releases to the forefront of this country's examples. The ‘Reserve' wines carry names that reflect the Donaldson's love of opera. www.pegasusbay.com

FEATURED WINES IN THIS REVIEW



Pegasus Bay ‘Bel Canto' Waipara Dry Riesling 2010

Riesling from New Zealand – Canterbury & Waipara

18.5+/20

A selection of the best Riesling fruit from old vines, with some botrytised material included, fermented partially by wild yeasts in large old oak to 14.0% alc. and 9.1 g/L rs. Bright straw-yellow colour, pale on rim, this has a very full, voluminous nose, quite densely packed with complex aromas of ripe stonefruits, and funky flinty elements, along with limes, minerals and floral notes. Off-dry to taste, this has very attractive and mouthfilling flavours of honied stonefruits with layers of citrus fruits, flint and minerals. The textures are rounded and soft, but there is some alcohol warmth which drives the palate line. The underlying acidity becomes apparent on the very long, sustained finish, adding lusciousness to the complex, fruit and honied flavours. This is a complex, funky, layered Riesling in the ripe Alsatian style. It will match rich Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine over the next 5-6+ years. 18.5+/20 Feb 2012 RRP $31.95

Pegasus Bay Waipara Pinot Noir 2009

Pinot Noir from New Zealand – Canterbury & Waipara

18.5/20

Dark, moderately deep ruby-red colour with purple and garnet hues on edge. This is soft and full with gentle, ethereal aromas of red berry and plum fruits, all harmoniously interwoven and presented with elegance. Medium-full bodied, this has mouthfilling flavours of dark berry and plum fruits with integrated and balanced oak shine. The palate is densely packed, with supple tannins and soft acidity contributing to the richness. This has good drive and the flavours of sweetly ripe berry fruits is sustained with the richness underlined by fine, firm tannins. This is a harmoniously interwoven, richly flavoured wine with subtle power and extract that drink well over the next 5-7+ years. Serve with game meat. Made from a variety of clones from estate vines up to 25 y.o., destemmed, but fermented with many whole berries to 13.5% alc., the wine aged 18 months in 30% new French oak barriques. 18.5/20 Feb 2012 RRP $46.95

Pegasus Bay ‘Prima Donna' Waipara Pinot Noir 2009

Pinot Noir from New Zealand – Canterbury & Waipara

19.5-/20

A variety of clones, from vines up to 25 y.o., destemmed and native yeast fermented with whole berries to 13.5% alc., the wine aged 18 months in 30% new French oak. ‘Prima Donna' is a selection from the best barrels and invariably includes wine from the oldest vines. Bright, even ruby-red colour with light, youthful, purple hues. Elegant and detailed on bouquet, there are aromas of dark red berry fruits and dark plums, finely expressed and beautifully layered, revealing florals, spices and toast. Full-bodied, this blossoms on the palate with rich, luscious and powerful flavours of ripe dark berry, cherry and plum fruit, with waves of complex earthy, spices and cedar. Excellent acidity adds to the sumptuousness, and fine-grained, firm tannins provide structure and grip, leading to a very long finish. This is a decadently rich and finely structured Pinot Noir to match with flavoursome red meat dishes over the next 8-10 years. 19.5-/20 Feb 2012 RRP $84.00

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