Pegasus Bay Prima Donna Pinot Noir 2019

Region and Vineyards

The Prima Donna Pinot Noir is sourced from Pegasus Bay’s estate vineyard located in the Waipara Valley of North Canterbury. The vineyard is planted on north-facing terraces, benefiting from a unique mesoclimate created by the protection of the Teviotdale Range, which shields it from the Pacific’s easterly breezes. The vines, over 30 years old and mostly planted on their own roots, grow in the Glasnevin Gravels, a mix of greywacke stones, silt, and loam washed down from the mountains over millennia. The low fertility of these soils naturally reduces vine vigor, producing small yields of highly concentrated fruit.

The cool nights in the Waipara Valley extend the ripening period, preserving the grapes’ natural acidity and allowing them to develop rich, complex flavors. In 2019, the growing season experienced a smaller crop due to weather challenges during flowering, but favorable summer and autumn conditions allowed for excellent ripening.

Winemaking

The Prima Donna is made using traditional Burgundian winemaking methods. The fruit is carefully selected from the estate’s oldest and finest vines, with small berries and loose bunches contributing to the wine’s concentration. Approximately 40% of the grapes were placed whole into the fermentation vats, while the remainder was destemmed but kept as whole berries, maintaining structure and freshness.

The must was kept cool for several days to extract soft tannins before fermenting naturally with indigenous yeasts. Gentle plunging of the skins occurred twice daily during fermentation, and after completion, the wine was left to macerate for an additional week to extract deeper tannins and structure. The wine was then pressed off and transferred to French oak barriques (40% new), where it matured for 14 months. A natural malolactic fermentation occurred during the summer following harvest. The final wine was blended from the best barrels, selected for complexity and balance.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep ruby hue.
• Aroma: A captivating blend of spiced plum, red currant, and dark cherry, with savory notes of earth, leather, cinnamon, and mushroom, along with a hint of crushed thyme.
• Palate: Concentrated core of ripe fruit, with fine-grained tannins delivering a luxurious mouthfeel. The wine is rich and powerful, yet shows precision and finesse, with well-integrated acidity providing balance and poise.
• Finish: Long, harmonious, and elegant, with excellent depth and a lingering, refined finish.

Did You Know?

The Pegasus Bay Prima Donna is only produced in exceptional years and represents the top selection of barrels from the estate. The wine is made from some of the oldest ungrafted vines in New Zealand, which contribute to the wine’s intense concentration and character.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Roast lamb with rosemary and garlic: The wine’s complex savory notes and ripe fruit balance the richness of roasted lamb and the herbaceousness of rosemary.
• Duck confit with cherry sauce: The dark cherry and earthy flavors of the wine complement the rich texture and flavors of duck confit.
• Mushroom risotto: The wine’s mushroom and earthy notes harmonize beautifully with the umami flavors of a creamy mushroom risotto.
• Aged cheddar or Gruyère: The concentrated fruit and fine tannins of the wine pair well with the nutty, savory characteristics 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.