2015 Pegasus Bay Aged Release Riesling, Waipara

Fantastic bouquet, the Pegasus Bay signature of complexity, style and a moment botrytis, classic. I do notice a lick of ‘kero’ in the bouquet, it adds breadth, depth and a certain Germanic quality. The bouquet also has equal intensity of lemon and peach with a distinctive minerality and unmistakable layer of intrigue. Outstanding on the palate, off-dry and tense with acidity. Flavours of citrus and apricot then apple and honeysuckle follow. Lengthy and delicious with a lick of orange peel and pith. Best drinking from day of purchase through 2030+.

95 points camdouglasms.com

Pegasus Bay Aged Release Riesling from Waipara is one of New Zealand’s most captivating white wines, renowned for its ability to age gracefully and develop layers of complexity while retaining remarkable freshness. The Donaldson family, pioneers of North Canterbury viticulture, have been crafting wines at Pegasus Bay since the 1980s. Their philosophy is simple but powerful — nurture the vineyard, intervene only when necessary, and let time reveal the wine’s true character. The Aged Release Riesling is a special bottling that showcases the magic of bottle age, released after several years of careful cellaring at the winery to allow the wine to evolve into a textural, aromatic masterpiece.

The fruit comes from north facing, free draining limestone and gravel soils in the Pegasus Bay estate vineyard, where cool nights and long, dry autumns provide ideal conditions for Riesling. The vines are un-irrigated, producing small yields of intensely flavoured grapes. A touch of noble botrytis in some vintages adds honeyed richness and complexity. Fermentation is slow and cool, preserving vibrant aromatics while a small amount of natural residual sugar balances the piercing acidity.

In the glass it glows pale gold with hints of green. The nose is beautifully developed, showing aromas of lime, mandarin, quince and white blossom intertwined with notes of honey, toast and wet stone. On the palate it is concentrated yet poised, with layers of citrus, apricot and mineral flavours supported by fine acidity and a gentle sweetness that creates perfect harmony. The texture is smooth and silky, leading to a long finish marked by citrus peel and delicate spice.

Pegasus Bay Aged Release Riesling is an exceptional food wine, pairing beautifully with Thai or Vietnamese cuisine, seafood, duck with orange glaze, or mild curries. It is also outstanding with soft cheeses or fresh fruit tarts. While released with ideal maturity, it can continue to age gracefully for another decade or more, gaining depth and nuance with time.