VERGENCE is when the pupils of the eyes look inwards and outwards, during focusing. Wine made under this label will first and foremost be delicious, while also reflecting our commitment to constantly evolving our wine styles. Keeping an open mind is essential for progress and at times this means looking outside the square, even when it’s untraditional and experimental. Either way, you can be sure they have not been made looking straight ahead. We’ve also decided to label these wines by “marks” rather than season as some releases may be multi-vintage, depending on their style and what we aim to achieve.
FAMILY
The Donaldson Family have been seriously involved in viticulture and winemaking for over 40 years. Founder Ivan Donaldson planted one of the first Canterbury vineyards in 1976 and went on to establish Pegasus Bay in 1986 with his wife Christine. It is a true family business, with all four of their sons now involved.
WINE
Vergence is all about looking beyond tradition, and our Mark 3 continues to push the boundaries of conventional winemaking. After multiple trials, the surprise package came from a blend comprising predominantly of Central Otago whole bunch Pinot Noir from both 2022 & 2023 vintages, along with a small portion of 2022 Malbec (approximately 5%), handpicked from our home vineyard. Both varieties were naturally fermented in tank before being transferred to French oak barriques, where the Pinot was matured for approximately 12 months and the Malbec 18 months, prior to blending and bottling.
The wine has a profound garnet tint. Its bouquet is soft and ethereal, with snippets of cinnamon, vanilla and lavender intertwined with hints of cherry, bramble, and faint earthy, mineral notes. The mouthfeel is plush yet focussed, with smooth, silky tannins on a velvety palate interplaying seamlessly with a slice of frisky acidity. Finely textured and persistent, the finish is lengthy and rewarding. Our Mk3 Vergence Red displays elegance combined with depth and precision, perfect for those who enjoy their Pinot’s at the fuller and more structured end of the spectrum.
