THE FAMILY

The Donaldson Family have been seriously involved in viticulture and winemaking for over 40 years.  Founder Ivan Donaldson planted the first Canterbury vineyard 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 and two spouses involved, managing various aspects.

THE VINEYARD AND VINES

The vineyard is located within the Waipara Valley of North Canterbury, on free draining, north facing terraces carved out of New Zealand’s Southern Alps by an ice-age glacier. It benefits from being in the lee of the Teviotdale Range, giving maximum protection from the Pacific’s easterly breezes and thus creating a unique mesoclimate. The vines are over 30 years old, with a large proportion planted on their own roots. The soil is free draining and of low fertility, resulting in naturally reduced vine vigour. This produces low yields of optimally ripened, high quality, flavourful grapes, which fully express the qualities of this unique terroir. The vineyard has warm days, but the nights are amongst the coolest in the Waipara Valley, drawing out the ripening period of the grapes, while still retaining good natural acidity.

THE SEASON

Cooler than average Spring temperatures led to a smaller set, resulting in excellent fruit concentration. A warm Summer and long lingering Autumn then followed, allowing this smaller crop to reach optimum ripeness.

THE HARVEST AND WINEMAKING.

Traditional Burgundian winemaking methods were used to make this wine. We picked the various blocks at different stages, depending on their maturity, aiming for a range of red and dark fruit flavours. Approximately one quarter of the grapes were put at the bottom of the fermentation vats as whole bunches, with the balance being destemmed on top, retaining as many whole berries as possible. The vats were kept cool over the next few days to help extract the soft, silky tannins from the pinot noir skins. After approximately a week the must started to ferment naturally. During fermentation, the floating cap of grape skins was gently plunged twice daily. When the fermentation finished, the grape remnants were left to steep in the wine for up to a week to help extract a different range of tannins that add structure and depth. The exact duration of this period was determined by daily tasting. Subsequently the wine was gently pressed off and put into oak barriques (40% new) from selected artisan Burgundian coopers. In the summer after harvest, when the weather warmed, the wine underwent a natural malo-lactic (secondary) fermentation. After maturing for 22mths in these barriques, the batches made from the many different plots and clones of pinot were carefully blended in varying portions to produce the most complex and balanced wine possible.

THE WINE

The wine has a vibrant ruby appearance. On the nose there is a selection of red fruit aromas (raspberry, pomegranate and cherry), as well as pepper and clove. Underpinning this are savoury notes reminiscent of grilled game and black olive tapenade. The palate is satisfyingly concentrated with fine grained tannins, however there is a refreshing minerality which ensures the wine remains tight and focused, with a lasting finish.

 Download Tasting Notes


Awarded Super Classic Status.
- Michael Cooper's Buyer’s Guide, NZ
"The flight of Pegasus Bay Pinot Noirs continued to illustrate their burgundy influence, the reds often reminiscent of Morey-saint-Denis".
- Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, USA
"Felton Road, along with Pegasus Bay has been my favourite pinot producer in New Zealand for years."
- Steve Tanzer, International Wine Cellar, USA

2021

96/100
Superbly complex and enticing Silky-smooth and multi-layered with loads of delectable flavours.” 
- Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, www.wineorbit.co.nz, NZ
95/100
Intense pinot noir with cassis, blackberry, black cherry, spicy oak, dark chocolate and ripe plum flavours .. appealing purity and nicely layered flavours that linger long after the wine has been swallowed.” 
- Bob Campbell MW, The Real Review, NZ

2020

This is one of North Canterbury's greatest Pinot Noirs … . rich, complex and very savoury. A youthful, harmonious red … ”
- Michael Cooper, www.michaelcooperwines.co.nz, NZ

“… Its distinctive boldness and complex flavours make this a wine to sip and savour … Drinking beautifully now and it has the structure to age a lot longer. A keeper.”

- Joelle Thomson, www.joellethomson.com, NZ
91/100
The 2020 Pinot Noir is a mouthfeel, combining ripeness and fruit concentration with the cool climate tension of the Waipara Valley … There’s plenty of fruit weight here and an abundance of fine-grained tannins in the context of Pinot Noir, providing a sturdy frame for this wine to evolve.  Give it time in bottle.”
- Rebecca Gibb MW, Vinous, USA
95/100
“… deliciously savoury … There is concentration in the mid-palate that pushes the palate through to a generous finish. Deep and complex.”
- James Suckling Wine Reviews, www.jamessuckling.com, USA
94/100
Moreish and delicious in equal doses, the delicacy and generosity of these Pegasus Bay Pinots are captivating … . A divine mouth perfume clings to a persistent finish calling you back for more, an invitation that is hard to resist. Great stuff!
- Stephen Leszcynski, Qwine, www.qwinesreviews.com, AUS

“Pinot noir is characterised as the most cerebral of grapes, but always in combination with the pure sensual pleasure it gives. Both are embodied in the complex and concentrated Pegasus Bay Waipara Valley Pinot Noir 2020. Powered by a thrilling line of acidity ….”

- Jo Burzynska, Viva magazine, NZ
94/100
Rich, mouth-filling red … Complex, generously proportioned and slightly rustic wine that is certainly approachable now but should mellow nicely with bottle age."
- Bob Campbell MW, The Real Review, NZ
95/100
“Superbly complex … Silky-smooth and multi-layered with loads of delectable flavours.” 
- Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, www.wineorbit.co.nz, NZ
18.5+/20
“…This is a rich, dark-toned Pinot Noir packed with earth, savoury elements, and a silky, fragranced palate.” 
- Candice Chow, www.raymondchanwinereviews.co.nz, NZ

2019

New Zealand Top 50 Wines
“… an elegant Pinot Noir … A really intriguing meaty-savoury nose … It’s ripe and concentrated but well balanced, with a good tart finish."
- The Wine Merchant magazine, UK
18.5/20
“Pegasus Bay winemaker Mat Donaldson and his team made this exceptional Pinot Noir, which expresses both vineyard and climate of North Canterbury … This drinks well now and will evolve for at least a decade”
- Joelle Thomson, Drinksbiz Magazine, NZ
92/100
“There is a lovely aromatic lift here … There is richness and warmth but also sinuous outlines with freshness alongside a velvety texture. The finish is generous, seductive, complex with exquisite depth.”
- Anne Krebiehl MW, Austria
96/100

Gorgeously styled and seductively complex `The concentrated palate offers outstanding power and drive … impressively long and expansive.”

- Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, www.wineorbit.co.nz, NZ
96/100
“Lots of ripe strawberries with some citrus and cream. Some meat, too. It’s medium-to full-bodied with round, ripe tannins and a delicious, juicy finish.”
- James Suckling Wine Reviews, www.jamessuckling.com, USA
94/100
Ripe, concentrated, varietal and complex … Youthful, vibrant and promising. On the palate - delicious! … ” Wood spices with fine through firm tannins building power and length.”
- Cameron Douglas MS, camdouglasms.com, NZ
19/20
“…This is a charmingly fragranced Pinot Noir with flavours of floral, black fruit and earth with concentration and finesse.”
- Candice Chow, www.raymondchanwinereviews.co.nz, NZ
95/100
“ … Complex pinot noir … Dark berry, cassis, violet, mixed spice, new leather and spicy oak flavours supported by firm, ripe tannins.” 
- Bob Campbell MW, The Real Review, AUS & NZ

2018

92/100
“… concentrated and muscular, … Unlike many New Zealand Pinot Noirs, I expect this will last well beyond a decade.
- Joe Czerwinski, www.robertparker.com, USA
19/20
“…a great expression of North Canterbury Pinot Noir … stands head and shoulders above many others from this vintage …”
- Joelle Thomson, Drinksbiz magazine, NZ
95/100
“ … More elegant than the usual blockbuster style … A supple, medium-bodied pinot noir that is accessible now but should develop well with bottle age.”
- Bob Campbell MW, The Real Review, AUS & NZ
16.5/20
“…Highly aromatic … Well-structured Pinot all in balance to age well, with a long spicy tail …” 
- Julia Harding, www.jancisrobinson.com, UK

2017

95/100
“… this is definitely not your average bright and breezy Pinot.  It’s serious …”
- Oz Clarke, www.threewinemen.co.uk, UK
94/100
“…Spicy and long with joyous persistence, it's hard not to be captivated by the weight. A super impressive wine.” 
- Steve Leszczynski, www,qwinereivews.com, AUS
95/100
“ … A robust and slightly rustic wine that's a pleasure to taste.”
- Bob Campbell MW, www.bobcampbell.nz, NZ
95/100
“ … wonderfully fruited and gorgeously styled … excellent weight and powermouthfilling and delectable with seductive complexity”.
- Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, Wine Orbit, wineorbit.co.nz, NZ
“ … Mouthfilling, sweet-fruited, savoury and supple … oak complexity and a rich, smooth finish.”
- Michael Cooper, michaelcooper.co.nz, NZ
94/100
“… youthful and complex pinot … a very succulent and vibrant feel … So youthful and powerful, this is another great Pegasus Bay pinot.
- Nick Stock, jamessuckling.com, USA

2016

92/100

“ … it’s clear that this is an elegant, medium weight style with a precise structure …”

- Decanter Magazine, UK
94/100

“Wild herbs, bracken, red fruits … dense, succulent and seamlessly polished …Long and taut.  Needs time.”

- Nick Stock, jamessuckling.com, USA
92/100

“ … a silky feel and a lingering finish that echoes with attractive tea-like nuances.”

- Joe Czerwinski, Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, USA
95/100

“ … dark fruit richness as well as savoury undertones … awesome power and concentrationstylish and structuredexpansive and velvety, finishing persistent and engaging.”

- Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, wineorbit.co.nz, NZ
94/100

“Dense, seamless and flavoursome pinot noir … Distinctive wine which is an expression of variety, place and winemaking …”

- Bob Campbell MW, bobcampbell.nz, NZ

2015

96/100
Super vibrant with plenty of earthy forest floor aromas as well as toasted spices.  The palate reveals a core of pristine dark cherry fruit flavor, beautifully judged ripe tannins and a level of effortless depth that singles this out as a consistently great New Zealand pinot noir.
- Nick Stock, jamessuckling.com, USA
94/100
“A bouquet filled with raw energy, Pinosity and an abundance of individuality … Long finish. Very Pegasus Bay
- Cameron Douglas MS, camerondouglasms.com, NZ
“Boldly aromatic …. The finish is long and generous. Plenty of potential here ….”
- Winestate magazine, AUS
95/100
“Intense, youthful …elegant wine with power and a lingering finish …”
- Bob Campbell MW, bobcampbell.nz, NZ
19+/20
“ ...A beautifully elegant and harmonious, vibrant and bright-fruited Pinot Noir …”
- Raymond Chan, raymondchanwinereviews.co.nz, NZ
94/100
“...Sense of deliciousness from the first sip, Effortless. Proper pinot”
- Gary Walsh, The Winefront, AUS

2014

96/100
Top equal wine in a tasting of 2014 NZ Pinot Noirs  Wow! Fabulous, complex bouquet of broody dark red berries, layers of mineral and savoury whole-bunch and dried herb nuances. Juicy, lush, generous and complex on the palate, with generous oak and ripe, very fine tannins.
- Cameron Douglas MS, camerondouglasms.blogspot.co.nz, NZ
96/100
Rich, weighty, ripe pinot noir with a dense, almost syrupy texture and plum jam, liquorice, Christmas cake flavours. Big and slightly rustic wine with pleasing complexity. It has a suggestion of old vine density with underlying power and a lengthy finish.
- Bob Campbell MW, bobcampbell.nz, NZ
94/100
“…A very fresh and concentrated edition of this majestic pinot noir. This is bathed in dark cherry fruits, earth and spices, and there's a meaty depth and plenty of forest bracken too. The tannins are long and grainy, and carry rich dark cherry-plum fruit flavors long” 
- Nick Stock, jamessuckling.com, USA

2013

94/100
“ … It’s a wine of undeniable personality and charisma, as ever..." 
- Gary Walsh, winefront.com.au. AUS
95/100
NZ Pinot Noir Tasting among 1 of 7 rated as “Outstanding” 
- Decanter magazine, UK
96/100
“…Appealing, ripe and quite concentrated pinot noir … A supremely elegant wine with an intriguing rustic edge
- Bob Campbell MW, bobcampbell.nz, NZ
19/20
“… The rich flavours are mouthfilling and carry to a long, lingering finish.  This is a rich, vibrant and mouthfilling, complex-detailed Pinot Noir … fine-grained, well-structured palate.”
- Raymond Chan, raymondchanwinereviews.co.nz, NZ
Excellent to Outstanding
“… Deceptively powerful wine that dances on the palate … Delicious.” .
- Otago Daily Times, NZ
96/100
#1 wine under $80   “ … enticingly refined and elegantly understated … a masterfully crafted expression of a remarkable site” 
- Tyson Stelzer, Australian & New Zealand Wines of the Year 2017
18.5/20
“…has the ability to live a long and beautiful life … .  It’s a keeper. (And is consistently among my top five South Island Pinot Noirs.)” 
- Joelle Thomson, Drinksbiz Magazine, NZ

2012

18.5/20
"The oak control is phenomenal, showing more elegance and sophistication than hundreds of Burgundies”
- Matthew Jukes, UK

93/100
Pegasus Bay is the flagship winery of Waipara, yet the wines remain realistically priced. Plum, cola and cherry notes are accompanied by strongly umami sensations akin to mushroom and roasted beef, giving this wine ample complexity. While the wine is concentrated, it has an airy, graceful feel to it. Drink 2016–2024.
- Wine Enthusiast, USA

96/100
A sense of real depth, soothing dark cherry notes, some forest floor and deeply knitted oak. The palate has noble tannins and the sort of structural complexity and completeness that is the envy of most other NZ Pinot Noir makers” .
- Nick Stock, jamessuckling.com, USA
93/100
Full-flavoured Pinot Noir with plum, spice, glazed cherry, floral/violet and a hint of savoury and mineral character. Mouth-filling wine with obvious power and a lengthy finish. A consistently top wine.
- Bob Campbell MW, NZ

2011

94/100
“Fine, fresh, vivid and interesting with an assertive cherry fruit nose. Lovely supple, elegant palate shows nice precision. Lovely sweet fruit combined with spicy structure”.
- Jamie Goode, wineanorak.com, UK
93/100
Lifted spicy cherry fruit on the nose with higher tones of raspberry coulis and cranberry…. Lively and driven on the palate, the red fruits show supporting characters of Asian spice and a waft of forest floor. Roast game, red licorice, milk chocolate and spicy oak complete the picture. Great line, lively acidity and a balanced, lingering finish".
- Nick Stock, jamessuckling.com, USA
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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