"Although wine maker Matthew Donaldson look as though he has just got in from an all night rave they are presently producing some of New Zealand’s most exhilarating, Burgundy inspired white wines...".
The Donaldson Family have been seriously involved in viticulture and winemaking for over 40 years. Founder Ivan Donaldson planted the first Canterbury vineyard in 1976 and went on to establish Pegasus Bay in 1986 with his wife Christine. It is a true family business, with all four of their sons and two spouses involved, managing various aspects.
The vineyard is located within the Waipara Valley of North Canterbury, on free draining, north facing terraces carved out of New Zealand’s Southern Alps by an ice-age glacier. 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. The soil is free draining and 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 vineyard has warm days, but the nights are amongst the coolest in the Waipara Valley, drawing out the ripening period of the grapes, while still retaining good natural acidity.
Cooler than average Spring temperatures led to a smaller set, however this resulted in excellent fruit concentration. A warm Summer and long lingering Autumn then followed, allowing this smaller crop to reach optimum ripeness.
Virtuoso is part of our reserve series which we only make in exceptional years. It is a selection from the best barrels, coming from some of the oldest plantings in the vineyard (30 + yrs). As with all our Chardonnay’s, we use traditional Burgundian winemaking methods. The fruit was hand-picked in stages during April and then gently pressed. The non-clarified juice was then put into large French oak barrels (puncheons), 30% of which were new in order to achieve optimal oak balance. In these it underwent primary fermentation by the grapes indigenous yeasts. The wine was then matured in the puncheons on its natural deposits of yeast lees (sur lie). In the summer after harvest it started to go through spontaneous secondary (malolactic) fermentation. It was regularly tasted during this time and the fermentation was stopped when the ideal balance was obtained. It had approx 12 months maturation prior to bottling.
The colour is deep lemon/straw. On the nose there are aromas of citrus, as well as some stone fruit (peach/nectarine). In addition there is a hint of struck match which adds refreshing flinty minerality. There are also some underlying savoury notes (toast and brioche) as a result of the secondary fermentation and lees contact in the barrel. The wine expands on the palate to become mouth filling and powerful, however there is a refreshing core of acidity that ensures it remains tight and focussed, with a lingering finish
The top tier of chardonnay at Pegasus Bay is in great form with a more reserved style than the regular estate bottling from the same the year. Fruit aromas are in the grapefruit and green mango zone. The palate heads more in a stone fruit direction. Supple and fresh.
| Product/Service Sold Out | Yes |
|---|---|
| En Primeur | No |
| New Arrivals | No |
| Wine Type | White Wine |
| Wine Style | Traditional |
| Country | New Zealand |
| Region | Canterbury/Waipara |
| Varietals | Chardonnay |
| Vintage | 2015 |
| Bottle Size | 750ml |
| Wine Points | 94 |
