Pegasus Bay, a family-owned estate established by the Donaldsons in New Zealand’s Waipara Valley, is internationally acclaimed for its expressive, site-driven wines. The region’s large diurnal temperature range, long dry autumns, and stony Glasnevin Gravels create a distinctive environment ideally suited for Riesling. Pegasus Bay’s house style emphasises extended “hang time” and, when vintage conditions allow, a touch of noble botrytis, adding complexity and depth. Grapes are hand-harvested, and the free-run juice is slowly fermented at cool temperatures to preserve delicate aromatics. A gentle handling process retains a touch of natural spritz, enhancing freshness and liveliness. The result is a wine that captures the essence of North Canterbury with both vibrancy and finesse.
The 2022 Pegasus Bay Riesling shines in the glass with a luminous lemon hue, hinting at the energy within. On the nose, it bursts with a dynamic medley of citrus and exotic fruits, grapefruit, lime sherbet, green apple, and lychee lifted by floral overtones of rose petal and geranium. A subtle thread of flinty minerality adds depth and precision. On the palate, the wine is crisp and vibrant, its juicy fruit core carried by a fine acid line that perfectly offsets the off-dry style. A whisper of spritzig adds sparkle to the mouthfeel, enhancing its refreshing character. Structured yet refined, the finish is long, mouthwatering, and wonderfully moreish, making it as compelling with food as it is on its own.
