Pegasus Bay Riesling 2020
Pegasus Bay Riesling
Region: Waipara Valley, North Canterbury, New Zealand
Vintage: 2020
Bottle size: 75cl
Grape: Riesling
ABV: 14%
On release it has a beguiling lemon hue. Erupting from the glass is a crescendo of citrus, tropical and perfume, anchored by a steely mineral footing. Impressions of grapefruit, lychee, green apple, and lime sherbet are overlaid with subtle hints of rose petal and geranium, and an intriguing whisp of flint. The mouthfeel is crisp and energised, its juicy fresh fruit favours supported by a fine thread of acid that balances the wines off-dry finish perfectly. Structured yet elegant, it closes with a long, salivating finish, tempting the receiver back for more.
The vineyard is located within the Waipara Valley of North Canterbury, on free draining, north facing terraces. It benefits from being in the lee of the Teviotdale Range, giving maximum protection from the Pacific’s easterly breezes and thus creating a unique mesoclimate. The vines are over 30 years old, with a large proportion planted on their own roots. They are located on the “Glasnevin Gravels” where greywacke stones, silt and loam have been washed down from the mountains over the millennia. The soil is of low fertility, resulting in naturally reduced vine vigour. This produces low yields of optimally ripened, high quality, flavourful grapes, which fully express the qualities of this unique terroir.
The Donaldson family have been immersed in the wine industry since the early 1970s and were pioneers of local grape growing and wine making. Associate Professor and Consultant Neurologist, Ivan Donaldson, first became interested in wine when his girlfriend at the time, Christine, gave him a book simply called - ‘Wine’. Penned by English industry legend, Hugh Johnson, the book started Ivan on an exciting journey, that has never stopped. After travelling to explore the wine regions of Europe, Ivan returned home to plant one of the first vineyards of modern times in Canterbury… and to marry Christine, who has been an integral part of the Pegasus Bay story.
https://www.pegasusbay.com