The 2021 Sauvignon Blanc from Pegasus Bay is a benchmark expression of New Zealand’s North Canterbury region, vibrant, layered, and undeniably sophisticated. Pegasus Bay was established in 1986 by Ivan and Christine Donaldson, pioneers of viticulture in the Waipara Valley, with Ivan having planted one of the region’s first vineyards a decade earlier. Today, this family-run estate is guided by the second generation, with all four Donaldson sons involved in various aspects of the business. Their commitment to quality and site expression has earned Pegasus Bay a reputation as one of New Zealand’s most respected producers.
In the glass, the 2021 Sauvignon Blanc is immediately captivating. The bouquet is vibrant and expressive, offering a heady medley of tropical and citrus aromas: passionfruit, pineapple, and grapefruit are layered with lemon peel, green apple, and a subtle flinty note. On the palate, it delivers both energy and depth, juicy yet precise, with bright acidity and finely balanced phenolics that add structure and persistence. The mouthfeel is textural and dynamic, evolving into a long, mineral-driven finish that leaves a lasting impression.
The vineyard lies on the free-draining, north-facing Glasnevin Gravels of Waipara Valley, sheltered by the Teviotdale Range and blessed with warm days and cool nights. This unique mesoclimate, combined with low-fertility soils, naturally limits yields and promotes the development of intensely flavoured, well-structured fruit. The vines, many over 35 years old and planted on their own roots, deliver a Sauvignon Blanc that is both aromatic and texturally complex.
