2020 Pegasus Bay Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon, Waipara

Dense, inky red with ripe plum, cassis, dried herbs, wood smoke and nutty oak flavours are among the most obvious flavours in this intense and quite complex wine. Accessible now but with good cellaring potential. 28 Jun 2023 Drink 2023–2035

92 points Bob Campbell MW therealreview.com

Pegasus Bay Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon from Waipara is a bold and structured red blend that showcases the exceptional winemaking of Matt Donaldson, who carries on the family’s legacy of crafting some of New Zealand’s most distinctive wines. The Waipara Valley, with its long, dry autumns and free-draining gravelly soils, allows for extended ripening, resulting in wines with concentration, depth, and fine tannin structure. Pegasus Bay’s approach to minimal intervention winemaking and traditional techniques further enhances the wine’s complexity and age-worthiness.

Deep ruby in color, this Merlot Cabernet blend opens with rich aromas of blackcurrant, dark plum, and blackberry, intertwined with notes of cedar, tobacco leaf, and baking spices. The palate is full-bodied and layered, offering intense black fruit flavors alongside hints of dark chocolate, graphite, and dried herbs. A firm tannin backbone and vibrant acidity provide excellent balance and structure, leading to a long, savory finish with touches of vanilla and crushed violets.

This wine pairs beautifully with slow-cooked lamb, grilled ribeye steak, and rich pasta dishes with tomato-based sauces. It also complements aged cheddar, mushroom risotto, and roasted game meats. While already showing impressive depth, this wine will continue to develop gracefully over the next 8–12 years, gaining further complexity and softness.

Pegasus Bay Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon is a true reflection of the Waipara Valley’s potential for producing world-class Bordeaux-style blends, with Matt Donaldson’s skilled winemaking ensuring a wine of both power and finesse.