Pegasus Bay Pinot Noir 2019

Region and Vineyards

The Pegasus Bay Pinot Noir comes from the estate's vineyards in the Waipara Valley, North Canterbury, on free-draining, north-facing terraces. These vines benefit from the protection of the Teviotdale Range, shielding them from the Pacific’s easterly winds and creating a favorable mesoclimate. The vineyard is planted on Glasnevin Gravels, a mixture of greywacke stones, silt, and loam, which reduces vine vigor and encourages low yields of concentrated, flavorful grapes.

The vines are over 30 years old, many planted on their own roots, and the vineyard's cool nights extend the ripening period, helping preserve natural acidity while allowing the fruit to fully develop complex flavors. This season saw a smaller crop due to unsettled weather during flowering, which resulted in concentrated fruit that ripened beautifully under a classic Canterbury summer.

Winemaking

The Pegasus Bay Pinot Noir is made using traditional Burgundian methods. Grapes from different vineyard blocks were harvested at different stages of maturity to capture a range of red and dark fruit flavors. Around 40% of the grapes were placed as whole bunches in fermentation vats, with the balance being destemmed and added on top, keeping as many whole berries as possible. The must was cold-soaked for several days to extract soft tannins before undergoing a natural fermentation with indigenous yeasts.

During fermentation, the grape skins were gently plunged twice daily. After fermentation, the wine remained in contact with the skins for up to a week to extract additional tannins, which add structure and depth. The wine was then gently pressed and transferred to French oak barriques (40% new), where it aged for 15 months. A natural malolactic fermentation occurred during the following summer, and after aging, the wine was carefully blended from various vineyard blocks to achieve balance and complexity.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Bright ruby red.
• Aroma: Aromas of cherry, plum, and pomegranate combine with savory notes of mushroom, truffle, leather, and a hint of cinnamon.
• Palate: The palate is generous and supple, with fine, velvety tannins adding structure and length. Layers of red and dark fruit are balanced by earthy undertones, and the wine finishes with well-integrated acidity, providing a long, harmonious finish.
• Finish: Elegant and persistent, with a perfect balance of fruit, spice, and savory complexity.

Did You Know?

The Pegasus Bay Pinot Noir is crafted from some of the oldest Pinot Noir vines in the Waipara Valley, many of which are planted on their own roots, a rare feature in New Zealand vineyards. This contributes to the wine’s intense concentration and complexity.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Roast duck with cherries: The wine’s red fruit and earthy notes perfectly complement the rich, savory flavors of roast duck.
• Mushroom risotto: The truffle and mushroom aromas in the wine enhance the umami flavors of a creamy mushroom risotto.
• Grilled lamb with rosemary: The savory complexity of the wine pairs beautifully with the herbaceous and smoky flavors of grilled lamb.
• Aged cheddar or Gouda: The wine’s tannins and depth balance the rich, nutty flavors of aged cheeses.

History of Pegasus Bay Estate

Pegasus Bay was founded in the late 1970s by Ivan Donaldson, a neurologist with a deep passion for wine. After traveling through Europe and exploring its winemaking regions, Ivan recognized the potential of New Zealand’s Waipara Valley for viticulture. In 1976, he planted some of the region’s first modern vineyards. The Donaldson family, including Ivan's wife Christine, quickly turned their vision into reality, and by 1985, Pegasus Bay had become a key player in the Canterbury wine scene.

The Donaldson’s four sons have since taken on significant roles in the business. Matthew Donaldson is the chief winemaker, bringing decades of experience and dedication to crafting exceptional wines. Edward Donaldson handles marketing and communications, while Paul Donaldson manages the estate's vineyard operations. Michael Donaldson heads the estate’s restaurant, making Pegasus Bay a complete family-run operation.

Over the years, Pegasus Bay has gained recognition for its minimal intervention approach in both the vineyard and the winery. Their philosophy is centered on allowing the natural environment to express itself through the wines, with a focus on sustainable viticulture and low-intervention winemaking techniques. As a result, Pegasus Bay has consistently produced wines that reflect the distinctive characteristics of the Waipara Valley.

Region and Vineyards

Pegasus Bay is located in the Waipara Valley, North Canterbury, on north-facing terraces that benefit from the Teviotdale Range, which shelters the vines from the cool coastal winds of the Pacific. This protection creates a unique mesoclimate, ideal for the cultivation of high-quality grapes. The region’s free-draining gravel soils, combined with the valley’s warm summers and cool nights, provide perfect conditions for Pinot Noir, Riesling, and Chardonnay.

The low-fertility soils of the valley naturally limit vine vigor, resulting in low yields and more concentrated fruit. The cool nights help retain acidity, while the extended growing season enhances the development of complex flavors in the grapes. Pegasus Bay's vineyards are home to some of the oldest vines in the region, many planted franc de pied, or on their own roots, further contributing to the wine’s intensity and depth.

The winery emphasizes low yields and hands-off vineyard management, allowing the natural environment to shape the wine’s characteristics. The long ripening season allows the fruit to develop a rich texture, vibrant acidity, and complex aromatics, producing wines of exceptional balance and finesse.

Wine Range

Pegasus Bay offers a broad range of wines, from approachable estate wines to premium reserve selections, known for their richness, complexity, and aging potential. Their portfolio includes:

• Estate Wines: These are classic representations of the Waipara Valley terroir, with vibrant Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Riesling varieties leading the way.
• Reserve Range: Including exceptional wines like the Prima Donna Pinot Noir and Virtuoso Chardonnay, these are crafted from the best parcels of fruit and represent the finest expressions of the vineyard. Only made in select vintages, these wines demonstrate the estate’s commitment to quality.
• Riesling: Pegasus Bay is particularly well-known for its dry and off-dry Rieslings, which are marked by their vibrant acidity, ripe fruit, and ability to age gracefully for many years.

Did You Know?

Christine Donaldson, Ivan’s wife and co-founder of Pegasus Bay, has a deep love for opera. This passion is reflected in the winery’s Reserve Range, where wines such as Prima Donna and Virtuoso are named after operatic terms. In addition to their winery, Pegasus Bay boasts a natural amphitheatre on the property, where the family hosts outdoor concerts and events, bringing together their passions for wine and music.