The Season

Spring and the first half of summer were so warm and dry that we were worried the vines might be affected by drought.  Then we had a brief torrential downpour which recharged the groundwater reserves and refreshed the vines.  The rest of the summer was excellent.  There was some late autumn humidity, but as we had exposed the berries to the sunlight they remained healthy and ripened excellently.

The Vineyard and the Vines

The vines are grown in stony, freely draining soil on north facing terraces.  Being in the most sheltered and warmest part of our vineyard they receive extra heat and we removed the leaves from around the bunches early in the summer to accentuate this effect.  Some of the blocks are over a quarter of a century old and are on their own roots. 

The Harvest and Winemaking

We use the traditional methods which are employed to make Bordeaux’s celebrated red wine, Claret.  After picking in mid-May the grapes were fermented in stainless steel tanks.  During this process the juice was regularly drained from the tanks and sprayed back over the surface of the cap of floating grape skins to keep it moist and healthy.  After fermentation ceased the tanks were sealed and the grape remnants allowed to steep or macerate in the newly formed wine for several weeks, the exact period being judged by daily tasting.  The wine was then drained and put into French oak barriques.  In the summer after harvest it underwent natural spontaneous malo-lactic, or secondary, fermentation.  It remained in these barriques for 2 years, during which time it underwent several rackings, enabling it to clarify naturally.  The various batches were then blended according to taste before bottling.

The Wine

The merlot has given the wine beautiful plum and purple peach fruitiness, while the cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc have added cassis, tobacco and spicy ethereal notes.  The palate entry is deceptively soft, but the wine expands in the mouth to reveal a broad framework of ripe tannins, that draw out its length and support a lingering after-taste.

Download Tasting Notes


“Pegasus Bay Merlot Cabernet ages like clockwork”

- Matthew Jukes, 100 Most Iconic Wine Estates

2020

94/100
“ … wonderfully flavoursome palate delivering excellent weight and plump mouthfeel ... bold yet stylish ....” 
- Sam Kim, www,wineorbit.co.nz, NZ
18.5/20
A delicious dark and complex blend …  an exceptional value red that drinks beautifully now and can age further.”
- Joelle Thomson, Drinksbiz Magazine, NZ
94/100
“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
“… Deeply coloured, it is full-bodied and rich supple tannins and a well-rounded finish. Still very youthful
- Michael Cooper, www.michaelcooperwines.com, NZ
94/100
“…  Lots to like about this wine. Will age well...”
- Cameron Douglas MS, www.camdouglasms.com, NZ

2019

91/100
“… Savoury chocolate notes add depth to the black-fruited palate.”
- James Suckling Wine Reviews, www.jamessuckling.com, USA
17.5/20
“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
93/100
“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
95/100
“ … Seductively smooth-textured wine Delicious, complex red with good cellaring potential. Clearly from a top vintage …”
- Bob Campbell MW, The Real Review, NZ
94/100
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
18.5+/20
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

94/100
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
93/100
“… 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
93/100
"Delightfully fruited and fragrantsucculent and smooth …  finishing long and flavoursome"
- Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, wineorbit.co.nz, NZ

2016

18.5/20
“...Concentrated … This is a refined Merlot and Cabernet based blend … on a vibrant palate with fine structure
- Raymond Chan, raymondchanwinereviews.co.nz, NZ
92/100
“ … Dry, firm textures, youthful, ripe and loaded with flavour …Plenty of length and finish … “
- Cameron Douglas MS, camerondouglasms.com, NZ
OUTSTANDING
“ … Powerful, juicy, dark fruits dance on the palate …Sumptuous fine-grained tannins and beautiful balanceAmazingly long and delicious finish …”
- Mark Henderson, Otago Daily Times, NZ
92/100
“ … This has richness and fullness on the palate with plump plums holding very deep, fleshy and long
- Nick Stock, jamessuckling.com, USA

2013

91/100
“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
92/100
“ … 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
Download Reviews

Pegasus Bay

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Off Licence.
Licence Holder:Donaldson Family Limited T/A:Pegasus Bay Winery.
Licence no:57/OFF/458/2022 Exp:16/3/2025