Stories and Latest Releases
Complimentary end of year tastings!
2024 is rocketing by, but before you down tools and disappear for the holiday season, we’d like whet your festive whistle once again at one of our annual complimentary wine club tastings. To give us a better idea about numbers, and ensure you get to try all our top drops in comfort, we’re asking you to RSVP this time.
Please email marketing@pegasusbay.com to confirm your spot, stating location and the names of those attending. As the old saying goes, “book now to avoid disappointment!”.
To streamline the ordering process, we’ve also introduced a new on-line process to replace the old paper format for purchases on the night. Simply scan the QR code with your mobile phone at each event and it will take you straight to our website shop.
But don’t worry, for any technophobes there will be help on hand to guide you through the process.
* WELLINGTON
Wednesday 27th November 5-7pm
The Boatshed
Taranaki Street Wharf
Wellington Waterfront
* AUCKLAND
Thursday 28th November 5-7pm
Boulevard Room
Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour
21 Viaduct Harbour Avenue
* CHRISTCHURCH - New Venue
Wednesday 11th December 5-7 pm
Conway Room
Te Pae Convention Centre
188 Oxford Terrace
Central City, Christchurch
All orders placed on the night for each city will go into 2 draws for a chance to win:
1st Draw
Pegasus Bay Maestro Merlot Malbec
2nd Draw
Pegasus Bay Virtuoso Chardonnay
Lubricate your loved ones in the UK?
Be sure your UK based friends and family imbibe in style over the festive season. Simply contact Must Wines, and they will deliver direct to their door.
A Scoundrel in our midst
Something has been weighing heavily on our mind and we feel it must be confessed. Shocking as it may sound, for almost 15 years, a secret clandestine operation has been happening within the walls of Pegasus Bay.
It began in 2011 with the raiding of nearby abandoned orchards (normally in the dead of night), with the proceeds used to make test batches of cider, purely for personal consumption, at first.
By 2013 however, word of this delightfully tasty drop was spreading, and a local distributor was appointed to bolster the apple & pear plundering exploits.
Known only as The Scoundrel, the maker of this rare artisan treasure has lurked in the shadows with an almost Banksy-esque swagger, but we can no longer be burdened with this secret. Drum roll please! The identity of this master craftsman is none other than our very own GM Paul Donaldson, and the name of the cider in question is of course Scoundrel & Rogues.
Tiny in operation, the guiding motivation for Paul is to produce the best cider in New Zealand, and then the world (why not, he’s got Pegasus Bay in his blood!), while keeping production at a low level so quality can be controlled. It’s traditionally made, fermented in old oak barrels with wild yeasts and aged for a year before bottling.
It’s not an official Pegasus Bay product, but once sampled, I’m sure you’ll agree these concentrated and satisfying ciders adhere to the same standards of excellence.
Scoundrels and Rogues cider is distributed by Christchurch based Punky Distro.
Orders can also be made direct on the website scoundrelsandrogues.com
Couples Dancing
In our last publication, we introduced our new estate sauvignon blanc, and we’re sure some of you are wondering what’s happening to our beloved sauvignon semillon.
We’ve been making this white Bordeaux blend since our very first vintage in 1991 and appreciate the texture and richness that the semillon brings, as well as its age-worthiness. It’s been a staple in our portfolio, and we want to reassure you it’s certainly not disappearing. In fact, we love it so much, we’ve decided to elevate it to reserve status.
Enter Minuetto, a dance of two.
Our first release comes from the exceptional 2021 harvest and comprises a selection of the best parcels of fruit, approximately 60% sauvignon and 40% semillon.
Mini Deli & Cellar Door
Looking for a summer sojourn in the provinces? No trip to the Waipara Valley is complete without a visit to our cellar door, deli & gardens. Stop by for a wine tasting, then immerse yourself in the magnificent Pegasus Bay gardens, while enjoying top drops and a selection of our artisan deli nibbles. If you’re after a gourmet present idea this Christmas, we have gift vouchers available for purchase on our website that can be redeemed in our deli, cellar door or on-line shop.
Pegasus Bay Mini Deli
Summer Hours
Thursday to Monday
10.30am - 4.30pm
No bookings. Max group size 10.
For full list of produce visit pegasusbay.com/deli
Pegasus Bay Cellar Door
Thursday to Monday
10.00am - 5.00pm
Bookings advised. Max group size 10.
Both closed Tuesday and Wednesday
A Riesling to celebrate
Here at Pegasus Bay, we’ve been quietly amassing a loyal following of Riesling devotees for decades, and believe we have the talent and terroir to compete with the world’s best.
The Judgement of London has certainly validated that and sent shock waves through the global wine community. Held in May 2024, it involved a panel of 21 experts tasting 16 pairs of wines blind, pitting Europe against the rest of the world.
Chosen from a selection of internationally renowned wineries, we were humbled to receive an invitation. However, when we heard our Bel Canto 2011 won top white and overall top scoring wine of the competition, it left us speechless. Read more about it in the Prescription Pad below.
From the Prescription Pad
What were you doing in 1976? I suspect that half of you hadn’t even been born. Me?
I was just settling back in Christchurch, after several years of postgraduate neurology training in London. While away, I had visited many European vineyards and was dreaming of planting one locally. It was pioneering stuff for Canterbury. But in faraway Paris, an Englishman, Steven Spurrier, a wine merchant and educator, knew even high quality New World wines would be ignored by the one-eyed French, so he invited a panel of 11 prominent judges from the French wine trade to blind taste top Bordeaux and Burgundian wines with their counterparts from California. Who could turn down such an invitation? The jumped-up newcomers would be easy to recognise and there would be a decent lunch to be enjoyed with the award-winning French wines after the judging.
Quelle horreur! When the results were announced the top white was Château Montelena Chardonnay and the top red was Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon, both from the Napa Valley in California. The judges were dumbfounded. Some wanted to re-evaluate the wines, only to find the score sheets had been safely removed by the contest’s organisers.
This famous tasting became known as The Judgement of Paris and it enticed top French winemakers to develop vineyards and wineries outside France, particularly in North America. Unfortunately, Steven Spurrier was blacklisted by some French wine trade, being unwelcome or barred from some vineyards.
He stayed with us when visiting New Zealand and told me that on one occasion he was literally thrown onto the street.
Sadly, Steven died three years ago and in his memory, it was decided to rerun his contest. But it is almost 50 years since The Judgement of Paris and new viticultural regions have been discovered and developed, vineyard techniques have been revolutionised and winemaking methods have been radically altered in both new world and old world countries, including France. Hence, the organisers of The Judgement of London decided to pit 16 of the best wines of Europe with 16 from the rest of the world. We thought it was a great honour to have a Pegasus Bay wine selected, but then forgot about it. You can imagine how stunned we were to receive a telephone call from London telling us that our Pegasus Bay Bel Canto 2011, was not only the highest scoring white wine but was also judged top of the entire contest.
At first, I regarded it as a lucky fluke, but then I got to thinking about it. If an expert panel of 21 judges, two thirds of whom were Masters of Wine or Master Sommeliers, took 4 hours to mull over 32 wines, then it is unlikely to be just the luck of the draw. There were some very high hitting wines in there so whichever way you look at it, it’s saying that Pegasus Bay makes some pretty smart wine.
Let’s drink to that.
All bottles 750ml unless otherwise stated
SAUVIGNON BLANC 2023 - New Release
Whole bunch fermented and aged on skins for around 200 days, this wine has a dialled-up structure with increased phenolics that add complexity and focus. A serious Sauvignon Blanc not made in a typical Marlborough style.
This expression has defined breadth across the palate, while kept fresh and focused.
Gavin Hubble, grape-to-glass.com, NZ
Crisp, dry and full-bodied, with good intensity … a distinctive, vigorous, very ageworthy wine.
Michael Cooper, Wine Writer, NZ
RIESLING 2024 - New Release
Off-dry and fermented at low temperatures to retain zesty aromas and flavours. Bottled with a little naturally dissolved CO2 to give a hint of spritzig and tangy freshness. This new season wine has only just been released, so we do not yet have any reviews, but here are some snippets from the tasting note to get you in the mood:
Opulently scented, the nose unfurls in waves of citrus, floral and tropical tones … The palate is rich yet precise, a textured mouthfeel and charming sweetness balanced by appetising acidity and well-pitched phenolics. This is an elegant and stylised wine, crisp and structural, with a long, resonant finish.
RIESLING 2021 - New Release
1.5L Magnum
94/100 Dried apple and pear with some peach pie. Aromatic and brilliant.
James Suckling Wine Reviews, jamessuckling.com, USA
93+/100 Really good! Let’s see it again in 10 years.
Erin Larkin, robertparker.com, USA
GEWÜRZTRAMINER 2024 - New Release
The lingering dry autumn of 2024 allowed us to leave the fruit on the vines until late in the season, resulting in a wine that is rich and unctuous, with intense varietal character. This wine has also just been released with no reviews to date, but here are some highlights from the tasting note to get you revved up:
The bouquet leaps from the glass, a volley of ginger, cinnamon, lychee and lavender … In the mouth it is rich and multi-layered, augmented by unobtrusive sweetness and a simmering phenolic drive, that flows across the palate, leading to a prolonged and spicy close.
MUSCAT 2019
We have a tiny plot of muscat à petits grains, a variety that is used in Alsace and the Rhône Valley. Made in an off-dry style, this latest addition is wonderfully aromatic, full of perfume and spice.
95/100 The inviting nose has aromas of Turkish delight, limes, ginger and marshmallow … On the generous and engaging palate your senses are fully occupied.
Gavin Hubble, grape-to-glass.com, NZ
95/100 Richly fruited and enticing … excellent concentration and generously textured mouthfeel.
Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, wineorbit.co.nz
CHARDONNAY 2020
750ml & 1.5L Magnum
Made from ultra-low cropping Mendoza clone, this concentrated Chardonnay has power and intensity. Following traditional Burgundian techniques, the juice was fermented with natural yeasts in French puncheons and aged on lees for 12 months.
94/100 Classic Peg Bay bouquet of power and richness, no mistaking the intensity of style.
Cameron Douglas MS, camdouglasms.com, NZ
95/100 A great, complex, layered South Island Chardonnay, one of NZ’s best.
Joelle Thomson, drinksbiz.co.nz
PINOT NOIR 2022 - New Release
Following traditional Burgundian techniques, wild ferment then aged in oak for 15 months. Structured and concentrated, while retaining elegance and finesse.
This is one of North Canterbury’s greatest Pinot Noirs … Deliciously savoury, harmonious and smooth.
Michael Cooper, Wine Writer, NZ
18.5+/20 This earthy, savoury Pinot Noir is refined and has well-balanced freshness and precision.
Candice Chow, raymondchanwinereviews.co.nz
PINOT NOIR 2021
1.5L Magnum
95/100 Youthful, powerful, enticing … a quality wine from start to finish.
Cameron Douglas MS, camdouglasms.com, NZ
19/20 Pegasus Bay winemakers consistently make powerful Pinot Noir.
Joelle Thomson, joellethomson.com, NZ
PINOT NOIR 2020
3L Jeroboam
94/100 A divine mouth perfume clings to a persistent finish, calling you back for more.
Steve Leszczynski, qwinereviews.com, AUS
MERLOT CABERNET 2021 - New Release
This season’s hot summer and lingering dry autumn was perfect for ripening our Bordeaux reds. Aged in oak for 18 months, the finished product is made up of predominantly Merlot, with the remainder Cabernet Sauvignon, and a small amount of Cabernet Franc.
A powerful young red, full of potential, it should flourish for a decade or longer.
Michael Cooper, Wine Writer, NZ
Commanding in structure and with long flavours, this wine drinks superbly now.
Joelle Thomson, joellethomson.com, NZ
MERLOT CABERNET 2020
1.5L Magnum
94/100 Core of fruit contrasted by polished tannins, medium + acidity and a lengthy, juicy finish. Lots to like about this wine.
Cameron Douglas MS, camdouglasms.com, NZ
94/100 Wonderfully flavoursome palate … bold yet stylish.
Sam Kim, wineorbit.co.nz
CABERNET FRANC 2021 - New Release
We only have a small patch of Cabernet Franc and its normally all used up in our Merlot Cabernet blend, however the wine from this stellar season was tasting so startling on its own, we decided to bottle a small amount of it. Stocks are limited and it’s not available for general release hence no reviews, but here’s a little tempter from the tasting note:
Supple, plush and full of finesse, the palate swells to reveal a brightly painted canvas, oozing with sumptuous ripe fruit and polished, velvety tannins. A fine ribbon of minerality sways through the core of the wine, adding balance and a sense of persistency.
VERGENCE WHITE Mk 3
Vergence is our non-traditional label where we enjoy pushing the boundaries of conventional winemaking. As with our MK1 and MK2, the core of the White MK3 is barrel aged old vine Semillon that gives body and palate weight, blended with a selection of aromatics. This time however, we’ve left out the Chardonnay and added more Gewürztraminer, accentuating its distinct varietal character of floral and spice. Once again this is a multi-vintage wine to realise its full potential.
19/20 Concentrated lush fruit, enriched by smoke and spice … this exotic white blend is complex, textural and rich.
Candice Chow, raymondchanwinereviews.co.nz
Fresh, distinctive, highly appealing … it’s not at all a traditional recipe, but it works!
Michael Cooper, Wine Writer, NZ
VERGENCE RED Mk 3
Our MK3 Red takes another radical departure from tradition. Emboldened by the surprise results of the MK2, we decided to trial blending Pinot Noir with a small portion of Malbec this time (approximately 5%). Clean and focused, with a bigger mouthfeel and tons of juicy fruit weight. Think Pinot Noir on steroids.
94/100 It’s robust and sturdy, yet beautifully framed by layers of fine tannins, making it harmonious and persistent.
Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, wineorbit.co.nz
18.5+/20 Powdery smooth tannins carry spices and linger with dark earthy minerals.
Candice Chow, raymondchanwinereviews.co.nz
All bottles 750ml unless otherwise stated
MINUETTO SAUVIGNON SEMILLON 2021 - New Release
750ml & 1.5L Magnum
We selected the best parcels of fruit from this epic harvest to create our very first Sauvignon Semillon under its new reserve moniker. Made in the traditional style of a white Bordeaux, it contains approx. 60% tank fermented Sauvignon Blanc and 40% barrel fermented Semillon, the latter adding richness, texture and length.
96/100 Wax and peach, lemon and flowers … a complex and lengthy wine with a salivating mouthfeel.
Cameron Douglas MS, camdouglasms.com, NZ
92/100 This unusual bend is a welcome addition to local wine styles.
Bob Campbell MW, therealreview.com, AUS
BEL CANTO DRY RIESLING 2023
Only possible to make in seasons that are favourable to botrytis. The grapes have almost the same ripeness as those used for Aria, but fermented to dryness, resulting in a wine that is richly textured, yet still possessing focus and drive.
94/100 Dense and spicy … One of the best Rieslings in New Zealand.
James Suckling Wine Reviews, jamessuckling.com, USA
An outstanding wine with beautiful balance, great flavour and the ability to age for at least 10 years. Consistently fabulous.
Joelle Thomson, drinksbiz.co.nz
BEL CANTO DRY RIESLING 2022 - New Release
1.5L Magnum
94/100 Alsace style Riesling with energy and impressive complexity … dry but not austere.
Bob Campbell MW, therealreview.com, AUS
18.5+/20 Full and complex, with aromas of gunflint overlaying citrus, orchard fruit and crunchy minerals.
Candice Chow, raymondchanwinereviews.co.nz
VIRTUOSO CHARDONNAY 2020 - New Release
750ml & 1.5L Magnum
96/100 Full-bodied with rich, toasty and tropical fruit, with an underlying smokiness … Muscular and compact.
James Suckling Wine Reviews, jamessuckling.com, USA
Fragrant, complex, slightly smoky and “funky” bouquet. An elegant distinctly cool climate style.
Michael Cooper, Wine Writer, NZ
PRIMA DONNA PINOT NOIR 2020 - New Release
750ml, 1.5L Magnum & 3L Jeroboam
We only produce Prima Donna Pinot Noir in exceptional years, such as this one. It is a blend of the barrels we feel best reflect the vintage and our unique terroir. It mainly comes from our oldest, lowest cropping vines that are non-grafted.
98/100 A magnificent rendition of the variety … sumptuous and expansive, yet structured and robust.
Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, wineorbit.co.nz
This wine has an earlier drinking nature than previous vintages and will impress all Pinot Noir lovers.
Gavin Hubble, grape-to-glass.com, NZ
MAESTRO MERLOT CABERNET MALBEC 2020 - New Release
750ml & 1.5L Magnum
Maestro is the heavyweight in our reds division, and as with Prima Donna, produced only in very special years. It’s a blend of the barrels of Merlot, Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon that we feel best reflect the vintage and our terroir.
95/100 Full and layered with fine tannins and a long, poised finish.
James Suckling Wine Reviews, jamessuckling.com, USA
ARIA LATE HARVEST RIESLING 2023
750ml & 1.5L Magnum
In favourable years such as this one, the bunches are left on the vines until late in the season then hand-selected with around 50% noble botrytis. This adds extra flavour nuances and gives a mouth filling lusciousness, similar to Auslese wines of Germany.
96/100 It’s so, so pretty, so complex and very long through the finish. A superb wine.
Erin Larkin, robertparker.com, USA
ENCORE NOBLE RIESLING 2017
375ml
Made in a similar way to Aria, however picked later so that all the bunches have fully developed botrytis. The autumn of 2017 proved favourable in this regard.
A wine of great depth, beauty and harmony. Abundant sweetness, good acid spine and an enduring finish.
Michael Cooper, Wine Writer, NZ
FINALE NOBLE SEMILLON SAUVIGNON 2021
375ml
Finale is a barrel fermented wine in the style of Sauternes and is only made in years that are favourable to noble botrytis. As with Encore, we selected only the most beautifully botrytic bunches. The juice was then left to ferment naturally in French oak barriques and matured for 12 months.
95/100 Dried plums, lemon zest and honeysuckle, followed by beeswax, pie crust and gingerbread … wonderfully balanced, displaying great length and depth.
James Suckling Wine Reviews, jamessuckling.com, USA
FORTISSIMO SWEET FORTIFIED MUSCAT 2023
375ml
This wine is made in the style of Muscat Beaumes de Venise. A small amount of neutral spirit is added to stop the fermentation and retain some of the late picked grape’s natural sugars. We have made only a tiny amount, and as with our previous editions, it is solely available through our cellar door and wine club.
5 stars On the hypnotic nose you have devilish aromas of grilled pineapple, peaches, honeysuckle and Turkish delight … every part of your palate will be happily engaged.
Gavin Hubble, grape-to-glass.com, NZ
REQUIEM FORTIFIED CABERNET MERLOT MALBEC 2019
375ml
Only the second edition of this rare gem ever made. A selection of late picked Bordeaux reds was fermented, fortified, and then barrel aged for 18 months to produce a complex and full-bodied vintage port style wine. Stocks are now extremely limited. It has not been sent for review, however here’s an excerpt from the tasting note to whet your whistle.
The aroma is deep and concentrated, showcasing a medley of blackberry, doris plum and cassis, melded with fruit cake spice, dried fig, chocolate, and a hint of marzipan. In the mouth the feel is generous and weighty, enveloping the palate with a velvety, full-bodied texture.
SWANNDRI PEGASUS BAY VEST
This unisex, limited-edition vest will quickly become a go-to item in your wardrobe.
Sizes XS, S, M, L, XL
MONOPOLY ŌTAUTAHI CHRISTCHURCH EDITION
Pegasus Bay are proud to have been selected as the winery to represent
Canterbury in the Monopoly Ōtautahi Christchurch Edition board game.
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