2023 Pegasus Bay Waipara Riesling

4.5 Stars Richard Caro
In stock
This classic wine is perhaps New Zealand most consistent Riesling. Dry to off-dry in sweetness, it offers an array of ripe citrus and stonefruit, with a spine of bright acidity and some of North Canterbury's lovely mineral character. The epitome of deliciousness in Waipara Riesling.
$29.99 in mixed 6+ or $33.99 per bottle

Grape

Riesling

Its Origins

Located in arguably New Zealand's most exciting wine region of North Canterbury (more specifically, Waipara), albeit sparsely scattered with wine estates it is at the forefront of interesting and unique wines in NZ. This is due in part to a fabulous free-draining, well protected terroir. Pegasus Bay is run by the Donaldson family who were pioneers in the region and have been involved with local grape growing and winemaking since the 1970's. The whole family are involved in the process from grape to bottle, and a deep respect for the land, with a long term view towards vine and soil health typifies the Donaldson Family's approach to grape growing. Pegasus Bay is an accredited member of the NZWG sustainable viticulture program and are firm believers of using natural methods to combat pests and diseases rather than the application of unnecessary pesticides and herbicides.

What The Critics Say

Winemaker notes on 2023 vintage

"With its large diurnal range and long lingering autumns, North Canterbury is an ideal playground for riesling, making it possible to create concentrated wines that still possess favourable acidity and finesse. Our house style involves giving the grapes an extended “hang time” and picking (when possible) with a portion of noble botrytis, to enable our site to express itself harmoniously through this variety. Following harvest, the free run juice was fermented slowly at cool temperatures to help the wine express the unique characters of our region. At all stages, the wine was handled very carefully to help retain a little of its natural carbon dioxide. This has resulted in a small amount of spritzig, which adds extra liveliness to the wine. It has a pale lemon sheen, with profound citrus, floral and tropical notes. Suggestions of mandarin zest and ruby grapefruit flirt temptingly with snippets of frangipani, orange blossom, pineapple, and mango. A lick of flinty minerality completes the allure. The palate is vibrant and energised, with layered citrus, racy acidity, and a hint of spritzig giving a zesty, lemon sherbet mouthfeel. Elegant and stylish with unobtrusive sweetness, the wine tapers into a steely, honeyed finish that leaves a lasting impression."

5 Stars Michael Cooper (2020 vintage)

"Classy stuff. Estate-grown at Waipara, in North Canterbury, in top vintages it is richly fragrant and thrillingly intense, with flavours of citrus fruits and honey, complex and luscious. Based on mature vines and stop-fermented in a distinctly medium style, it breaks into full stride at about three years old and can mature well for over a decade. The distinctive 2020 vintage is already delicious. Bright yellow/green, it is weighty and rich, with deep, peachy, slightly honeyed and gingery flavours, gentle sweetness, and a very harmonious."

Variety Riesling
Region Canterbury / Waipara
Closure Cap
Volume 750ml
Alcohol 12.5%
Maturity 2024 - 2034

This Wine Goes Well With

with ASIAN FOOD
with INDIAN CUISINE
with SEAFOOD

Taste

3

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