Tasting Notes
Pegasus Bay is an award-winning, family-owned winery based on the South Island of New Zealand in Waipara Valley. The Donaldson family produce their Pinot Noir using classic Burgundian techniques resulting in a French style Burgundy but with New Zealand Pinot Noir depth and body, the best of both worlds. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate describes it as "often reminiscent of Morey-Saint-Denis".
Pegasus Bay summarises the vineyard and why it produces such high quality grapes: "Within the Waipara Valley Pegasus Bay vineyard gets maximum protection from the Pacific’s easterly breezes by being tucked up under the lee of the Teviotdale Range. Its sheltered position, but proximity to the sea, give it warm days, cool nights and a dry autumn, resulting in a very prolonged ripening period. This promotes intense flavour development and optimal ripeness, while retaining good natural acidity."
Pegasus Bay practises sustainable viticulture, using natural methods to counteract pest and diseases rather than applying pesticides and herbicides.
I am rarely if ever disappointed in Pegasus Bay Pinot Noir and I think they get more and more elegant as the years pass by. This 2016 vintage is one of the most elegant yet and more Burgundian in style than some previous vintages; that is the aim. Read below what the wine critics have to say about this vintage.
Food Pairing
Recommended to eat with chicken, duck, goose, pigeon, liver, beef steak, venison, spicy dishes, mushrooms, cherries and figs.
Producer's Notes
"The wine has a vibrant ruby appearance. The bouquet is packed with red and dark fruit, (raspberry, pomegranate and cherry), with hints of pepper and spice. Layered beneath there are also savoury notes that speak 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. A slightly reduced time in oak has resulted in a harmonious style, one that that is mouth-filling yet elegant."
Awards
95 points WineOrbit.co.nz
"…dark fruit richness as well as savoury undertones … awesome power and concentration … stylish and structured … expansive and velvety, finishing persistent and engaging."
94 points BobCampbell.nz
"“Dense, seamless and flavoursome pinot noir … Distinctive wine which is an expression of variety, place and winemaking …”
92 points Decanter
" … it’s clear that this is an elegant, medium weight style with a precise structure …”
92 Points RobertParker.com
"Made with 40% whole clusters, the 2016 Pinot Noir looks to be the finest regular Peg Bay Pinot in some time. Its spicy, stemmy, sappy notes are balanced by bright, fresh black cherry fruit. It's medium-bodied, with a silky feel and a lingering finish that echoes with attractive tea-like nuances."
