Cool weather during the flowering reduced the "set", which resulted in a small crop of grapes on the vines. The rest of the growing season was excellent and the autumn was long and warm, so that the Pinot Noir grapes were harvested in optimal condition.

The berries were initially cooled to allow a period of prefermentation "vatting". About seven days after harvest fermentation commenced due to the action of the grapes' own yeasts. It was carried out in small open vats which were gently hand-plunged to keep the floating cap of grapes moist, while avoiding excessive maceration. When the fermentation had stopped, the grape remnants were left steeping for several days to improve the wine's texture, the exact period being determined by regular tasting. After the wine was removed from the vat, the skins were gently pressed. There followed 18 months of maturation in French oak barriques, 30% of which were new. In the spring after harvest the wine was allowed to go through natural malo-lactic fermentation by the action of its own micro-organisms.

Prima Donna is a selection of the best barrels of Pinot Noir in the cellar and is only made in top vintages. While it does not necessarily come from any one location within Pegasus Bay Vineyard, it is usually made from our oldest vines, the majority of which are on their own roots. The wine is a bright ruby colour with carmine hues. The aromas and flavours are a complex blend of ripe red fruits and savoury foods. Impressions of blackberries, raspberries, cherries and purple plums inter-twine with hints of roast game and grilled mushrooms. It's spine of firm, but fine, ripe tannins, is covered with carefully sculptured layers of flesh, without fat. There is both power and elegance, which are emphasised in the lingering multi-faceted aftertaste of black olives, bitter chocolate and maraschino cherries. While ready to drink on release it is expected that with careful cellaring this wine will develop increasing complexity and continue to improve for five to seven years and live for one or two decades.

Wine is a natural health food.