2012 Pegasus Bay Aged Release Pinot Noir, Waipara

"Medium ruby-black with a tinge of garnet, slightly lighter on the rim. The bouquet is elegantly full, captivating aromas of forest floor, mushroom, earth, flinty minerals unveiling medicinal herbs, cinnamon and cherries. Medium-full bodied, savoury aromas filled the palate, earth, mushroom, minerals intertwined liquorice, medicinal herbs underlined black cherries, blackberries, cinnamon followed a long, sustained finish. Silky mouthfeel possesses a powdery tannin structure; acidity is integrated. This is a gracefully developed Pinot Noir packed with savoury elements, silky tannin and a long, spicy finish.” 

18.5+/20, Candice Chow, Raymond Chan Wine Reviews 

A late-release wine that clearly demonstrated the benefits of both bottle age and vine age. It has a remarkably youthful aroma of red rose, violets, anise, dark cherry and the beginning of some savoury beef tea characters. Well worth the premium price. 
 
95 points Bob Campbell MW therealreview.com FEB 2022 Drink 2022–2025

Rereleased recently at 10 years old, the 2012 vintage (5*) was hand-picked at Waipara, in North Canterbury, from mature vines (many at that stage over 25 years old), and matured for 18 months in French oak barriques (40% new). When first tasted eight years ago, I described it as youthful, sweet-fruited and finely textured, with substantial body, rich, savoury, complex flavours and supple tannins. Delicious now, it has full, fairly mature colour, with a fragrant, savoury bouquet. Mouthfilling, it is still vibrant, with generous cherry, plum, spice and nut flavours, very harmonious and ‘complete’.
 
Michael Cooper Buyer's Guide Jun 2022

Ian Donaldson comments on release
On release the wine has a bright ruby hue. The bright aromas and flavours suggest blackberries, raspberries and black cherries supported by an underlay of chocolate and cinnamon. Savoury elements, including impressions of roast meats and grilled mushroom, should become more prominent as the wine ages. It is generous and mouth filling but has a refined palate with plush velvety tannins and a lingering spicy aftertaste. It should develop a range of additional fascinating nuances with careful cellaring over the next decade and live well beyond.