“Pegasus Bay Merlot Cabernet ages like clockwork”
- Matthew Jukes, 100 Most Iconic Wine Estates
Merlot Cabernet
The season
This was one of our cooler summers, although by leaving the fruit on the vine until May we achieved excellent ripeness, clear varietal expression and good natural acidity. A modest crop level has contributed to good fruit concentration and body in the wine.
The vineyard and the vines
The vines are grown in stony, freely draining soil on north facing terraces. Being the most sheltered and warmest part of our vineyard they receive extra heat. Early in the summer we removed leaves from around the bunches in order to promote physiological ripening. Some of the blocks are almost 30 years old and are on their own roots.
The harvest and winemaking
We used the traditional methods that are employed to make Bordeaux’s celebrated red wine, Claret. After picking during May the grapes were fermented by their indigenous yeasts in stainless steel tanks. During this process the juice was regularly drained from the tanks sprayed back over the surface of the cap of floating grape skins to keep it moist and healthy. After this primary fermentation was finished the tanks were sealed and the grape remnants were allowed to steep, or macerate in the newly formed wine for several weeks to help improve the wine's body and structure. The exact period of this process was determined by daily tasting. The wine was then drained off and put on to French oak barriques. In the summer after harvest it underwent natural spontaneous malolactic or secondary fermentation. It was in these barriques for two years. The various batches were then blended according to taste before bottling. This wine is predominantly merlot and cabernet sauvignon with a small amount of malbec and cabernet franc.
The wine
On release it has a bright ruby hue with abundant aromas and flavours suggesting purple plums, cassis and wild blackberries. These initial impressions of ripe fruit are supported by an underlay of tobacco, vanilla pod, chocolate mocha and spice. The wine enters the palate subtly but expands into a robust, muscular, satisfyingly dry finish.
2020
“It's gorgeously ripe and lifted on the nose … wonderfully flavoursome palate delivering excellent weight and plump mouthfeel. Well structured by beautifully infused tannins, it's bold yet stylish with a persistent robust finish.”
- Sam Kim, www,wineorbit.co.nz, NZ
“A delicious dark and complex blend … from North Canterbury, where long, dry autumns can offer ripe, rich, dark flavours. Add great winemaking into the mix and here is an exceptional value red that drinks beautifully now and can age further.”
- Joelle Thomson, Drinksbiz Magazine, NZ
“I really like the flower and red fruits here that flow across the palate. Medium-bodied with fine tannins and a reserved finish. Very classy ...”
- James Suckling Wine Reviews, www.jamessuckling.com, USA
2019
“… Savoury chocolate notes add depth to the black-fruited palate.”
- James Suckling Wine Reviews, www.jamessuckling.com, USA
“This superb full-bodied blend hails from the Waipara Valley in the heart of North Canterbury … Dark blackberry fruit flavours marry nicely with the smooth soft appeal of Merlot.”
- Joelle Thomson, Drinksbiz Magazine, NZ
“… A saucy blend of merlot, cabernet sauvignon, malbec and cabernet franc … velvety-smooth textures and layers of plum, mocha, hints of leather and tobacco leaf on the palate … Yum!.”
- Yvonne Lorkin, www.yvonnelorkin.com, NZ
“… very good complexity, gentle tannins, and a supple, finely textured finish.”
- Michael Cooper, Michael Cooper’s Buyer’s Guide, NZ
“Big, brooding, earthy, Bordelais style … full-bodied, nicely weighted with rich, chewy tannins and positive length ….”
- New Zealand Wine Writer, Stephen Bennett MW & Lynnette Hudson, NZ
“ … Seductively smooth-textured wine … Delicious, complex red with good cellaring potential. Clearly from a top vintage …”
- Bob Campbell MW, The Real Review, NZ
“Richly fruited and enticing … flavoursome in the mouth with excellent weight and persistency. Plump and fleshy with a prolonged delicious finish.”
- Sam Kim, www,wineorbit.co.nz, NZ
“The wine possesses power and good energy generated by richness and concentration. This is readily delicious, with elegant and poise on a well-structured palate….”
- Candice Chow, www.raymondchanwinereviews.co.nz, NZ
2018
“Remarkable red that probably owes much of its rich, ripe flavours to relatively old vines and the experienced hand of winemaker, Mat Donaldson …”
- Bob Campbell MW, www.bobcampbell.nz, NZ
“… Well made, youthful, fleshy and long. A lovely example ready to enjoy …”
- Cameron Douglas MS, camerondouglasms.com, NZ
“… mouthfiling with concentration, vibrant blackcurrant, plum, herb and spice flavours, showing good complexity, finely balanced tannins and obvious cellaring potential.”
- Michael Cooper, Winestate Magazine, AUS
"Delightfully fruited and fragrant … succulent and smooth … finishing long and flavoursome"
- Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, wineorbit.co.nz, NZ
2016
“...Concentrated … This is a refined Merlot and Cabernet based blend … on a vibrant palate with fine structure”
- Raymond Chan, raymondchanwinereviews.co.nz, NZ
“ … Dry, firm textures, youthful, ripe and loaded with flavour …Plenty of length and finish … “
- Cameron Douglas MS, camerondouglasms.com, NZ
“ … Powerful, juicy, dark fruits dance on the palate …Sumptuous fine-grained tannins and beautiful balance… Amazingly long and delicious finish …”
- Mark Henderson, Otago Daily Times, NZ
“ … This has richness and fullness on the palate with plump plums holding very deep, fleshy and long”
- Nick Stock, jamessuckling.com, USA
2013
“An impressive wine for the ball of succulent ripe plum-flavored fruit it dishes up amid succulently ripe tannins and fresh, earthy, background complexity. This has all-round appeal, casual or formal!”
- Nick Stock, jamessuckling.com, USA
“ … strong, vibrant blackcurrant, plum and spice flavours, finely integrated oak, ripe, supple tannins, and excellent depth, complexity and harmony.”
- Michael Copper, michaelcooper.co.nz, NZ
“ …. immensely appealing …. Excellent length"
- Winestate Magazine, AUS
“ … Lovely bouquet of fruit, mineral, concentration and charm … complex and intriguing … Great example from Canterbury”
- Cameron Douglas MS, camerondouglasms.blogspot.co.nz, NZ
2012
"…The nose is seamlessly melded and reveals fragrant spices, musk and a suggestion of camphor. Medium-full bodied, the palate is softly concentrated with integrated flavours ... good depth and the palate flows smoothly with satin-like tannins, and underlying acid vitality. ... long, complex….”
- Raymond Chan, raymondchanwinereviews.co.nz, NZ
2011
“Full-coloured, with fresh plum, spice and nutty oak flavours, showing excellent complexity and depth."
- Michael Cooper's Buyers Guide, NZ
2010
“impressive complexity …” Good intensity of flavours…The oak is perfectly integrated and there’s a lovely round, supple texture in the mouth, giving superb structure and balance
- WineNZ magazine
100 best wines "Chewy, fleshy red with plum, dark berry chocolate/mocha and nutty oak flavours. Deliciously accessible red.”
- Bob Campbell MW - Taste magazine, NZ
2009
"Top Tip" “From an excellent vintage this is a bold and intense wine with aromas and flavours of dark plums, blackberries, cassis and blueberries. It has mealy style that makes it dense and long lasting.”
- TizWine.com, NZ
