Owned and operated by the Donaldson family, Pegasus Bay is situated in the Waipara Valley, South Island, NZ, about 30 minutes drive north of Christchurch. Its sheltered position, but proximity to the sea, gives it warm days, cool nights and a dry autumn, resulting in a very prolonged ripening period. This promotes intense flavour development and optimal ripeness, while retaining good natural acidity.

The Donaldsons have been seriously involved in winemaking since the early seventies and were pioneers of local grape growing and winemaking in this region. Pegasus Bay is a member of the NZWG Sustainable Viticulture programme. This involves minimal handling and intervention in wine grape production. The winery's philosophy is to grow grapes of the highest quality and to fully express the features of the vineyard. These are handled with the utmost respect.

A magnificent rendition of the variety, showing dark berry, dried herb, fine leather, porcini and roasted nut aromas on the nose. The palate exhibits outstanding concentration and depth, wonderfully supported by refined texture and beautifully melded tannins. Sumptuous and expansive, yet structured and robust with an impressively long, engaging finish. Rating: 98 Points; Sam Kim; Wine Orbit

Freshly sliced ripe strawberry with hints of rose stem, baking spices, and bark follow through to a medium body with integrated tannins and a fine and polished finish. Racy and complex. Classy. Drinkable and appreciable now, but it will deliver so much more in three to five years. Rating: 96 Points; James Suckling