Owned and operated by the Donaldson family, Pegasus Bay is situated in the Waipara Valley, South Island, NZ, about 30 minutes drive north of Christchurch. Its sheltered position, but proximity to the sea, gives 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.

The Donaldsons have been seriously involved in winemaking since the early seventies and were pioneers of local grape growing and winemaking in this region. Pegasus Bay is a member of the NZWG Sustainable Viticulture programme. This involves minimal handling and intervention in wine grape production. The winery's philosophy is to grow grapes of the highest quality and to fully express the features of the vineyard. These are handled with the utmost respect.

Immensely complex and seductively inviting, the bouquet shows dark berry, smoked game, truffle and roasted nut characters, leading to a wonderfully weighted palate that's richly textured and impressively long on the finish. It's opulent and velvety, while remaining structured and harmonious with a sustained engaging finish. At its best: now to 2036; Date: July 2022; Rating: 97 Points; Sam Kim; Wine Orbit

A flagship wine only produced in exceptional years. Made from a selection of the best barrels from the oldest, ungrafted vines in the vineyard. A mellow, elegant wine with floral/red rose, dark cherry, plum, dried herb and spicy oak flavours. It has a reputation for ageing well. Rating: 96 Points; Bob Campbell MW; The Real Review