“… this is very concentrated and very, very long. The fine-boned phenolics and zingy acidity are commanding the show …” 

“… There's great depth and drive here yet it feels unforced. … this is an excellent expression of the variety” 

“… excellent complexity, balanced acidity and a seamless finish.”

“… Golden and gorgeous in the glass … beautifully balanced … Chardonnay lovers – you need this”  

“The 2016 Virtuoso Chardonnay, actually brought to mind a Meursault Village from Coche-Dury …very well balanced … intense finish that lingers in the mouth. Brilliant”

“This is impressively complex … leading to a sumptuous palate that is concentrated and weighty … terrific fruit power as well as engaging savoury nuances, finishing gloriously long and gratifying”

“Intense, rich and weighty chardonnay … generously proportioned wine that’s deliciously drinkable …”

“ … very rich aromas ….”

“ … Fresh, vibrant, powerful with wonderful carry, drive and energy.  Density, yet gorgeous freshens and vibrancy”

“ … Toasty, dry, full-bodied … loads of weight and a lingering finish.  What more could you ask for in a top notch Chardonnay? …”

The top tier of chardonnay at Pegasus Bay is in great form with a more reserved style than the regular estate bottling from the same the year. Fruit aromas are in the grapefruit and green mango zone. The palate heads more in a stone fruit direction. Supple and fresh.

“Complex, alluring and seductive bouquet … complex and textured …youthful and lengthy – a wine to contemplate the world we live in right now”

Ranked #1 of 15 2013 Chardonnay tasted from Waipara

“…Flagship chardonnay, … Lovely mouth-filling and very textural wine. An excellent example of this consistently top chardonnay” 

“… This is a rich, multi-dimensional, complex Chardonnay with layers of flavour and a vibrant, powerful palate....” 

“ …. Power yet finesse here, nicely balanced …. A serious wine that will repay time in the cellar.” 

“ … Wonderfully lush and rich but at the same time energetic and firm , with its stone fruit flavours perfectly balanced by spices and flinty minerals; salty and rich in extract.…” 

“…A powerful, rich and full bouquet of stone fruit, oak and spice: baked peach and nectarine with white spiced oak, new oak and a distinctive savoury/leesy complexity - even a flint-like edge. On the palate - dry, firm, youthful and intense… full-bodied and rich. Great wine!” 

The 2010 Virtuoso Chardonnay begins a bit subdued at this stage yet shows notes of apple tart, peach cobbler and ginger-honey, plus some cedar and citrus undertones. The full-bodied palate is solidly structured with tight-knit fruit supported by a vibrant acid line and a finish with great length. It should fan-out with a further year in bottle and drink it 2017+.

“Plenty to like about the nose on this wine. Rich, juicy stone fruit characters of white peach and nectarine, with lighter citrus flavours following behind. Spicy and pure on the palate…”.

"A wonderful Waipara wine, just starting to break into full stride, with peach, nectarine and nut flavours,showing lovely depth and drinkability.“.

A wine of commanding presence, the complex bouquet shows peach, mango, grapefruit and nutty oak aromas with subtle flinty notes. It's undeniably powerful on the palate yet perfectly balanced and harmonious. This formidable chardonnay is multi-layered and sophisticated. 

“The 2009 Virtuoso Chardonnay is a barrel selection wine, from older vines on their own rootstocks and naturally fermented/aged in French oak puncheons, 50% new. Crisp, concentrated and medium bodied in the mouth, it’s still young and taut but has a gorgeous satiny texture and a long finish.”

“One of the great chardonnay labels, Pegasus Bay have delivered an exceptional wine from the 2009 vintage. It's gorgeously complex on the nose displaying stone fruit, oatmeal, cashew, vanilla and subtle savoury notes. The palate is superbly concentrated and focused with rich texture, finishing extremely long and expansive. Matured for three years before release - one year in barrel on lees, one in tank on light lees and one in bottle. Based on previous vintages of Virtuoso, this stunning beauty will develop graciously.”

“…Rich, tightly structured Waipara wine, from 24 year- old vines….crisp and minerally. A cool climate style with real verve and drive, still unfolding.”

“…Top wine of the tasting - A heavyweight chardonnay label in every respect. Very intense wine with a strong but appropriate oak influence that is balanced by powerful citrus and stone-fruit flavours. The wine has masses of sizzled butter, savoury yeast lees and roasted nut characters. Assertive acidity adds energy and ageing potential…”

“I tasted a bottle of ’06 Virtuoso the other day and I was pole-axed with carnal, vinous desire … this is one of the most riveting whites of the year and for 20 quid you will go absolutely nuts when you taste the lush, cool, layered fruit and the staggering minerality underpinning all of the action…you can put it up against any of your Burgundys and ask your friends for a vote. Do not bet against this Virtuoso.”

“From Waipara, this is a striking wine-rich, complex and seamless...it shows excellent weight and a fine thread of acidity…”

“…It is a powerful, seamless wine, minerally and complex”

“The 2005 Virtuoso reminded me of a Corton-Charlemagne…it could still benefit from a few more months in bottle as the oak still needs time to meld into the structure of this outstanding wine”