2020 Pegasus Bay Virtuoso Chardonnay, Waipara

Immensely complex and seductive, the bouquet shows mango, apricot, baked fig, and roasted hazelnut aromas with a lovely flinty nuance. The concentrated palate displays outstanding weight and depth, wonderfully supported by creamy mouthfeel and brilliantly pitched acidity. Multi-layered and engaging with a prolonged, gratifying finish. At its best: now to 2035. Aug 2024.Drink 2024 - 2035

97 points Sam Kim wineorbit.co.nz

Powerful chardonnay with intense aromas of flinty reduction, smoke, lemon verbena, nutmeg, green papaya, mango and cardamom. It's full-bodied with rich, toasty and tropical fruit, with an underlying smokiness and savory saltiness. Muscular and compact, with punchy acidity. Intense. Sustainable. Drink or hold. Screw cap.

96 points jamessuckling.com

A fantastic bouquet with power in and intensity, with a core of roasted stone fruits and oak, baked apple and layers of wood spice and wood smoke. As the wine opens pout i glass these ideas intensity and develop. Full bodied, dry, and very intense, flavours mirror the bouquet with stone fruits and lemon, some quince and wood spices all vying for attention on the palate. Medium+ acidity, fine wood tannins frame the wine beautifully. Balanced and well made, a wine that is ready enjoy from today and through 2033+.

96 points Cameron Douglas MS camdouglasms.com

Pegasus Bay’s Virtuoso Chardonnay from Waipara represents a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation, a philosophy championed by the winery's founding Donaldson family. Established in the early 1980s, Pegasus Bay has become a symbol of Waipara Valley's unique terroir and the potential for New Zealand wines to achieve global acclaim. The winery’s commitment to sustainable viticulture, combined with a respect for the land and climate, has been pivotal in crafting wines that embody the spirit of Waipara. The Virtuoso Chardonnay, a flagship of the estate, reflects decades of expertise and passion, drawing on rich, limestone-infused soils and cool-climate influences that impart elegance and depth. Each vintage is a tribute to the region's character, guided by an ethos that emphasizes minimal intervention and a deep respect for the natural environment.

The winemaking at Pegasus Bay is helmed by the second generation of the Donaldson family, including Matthew Donaldson, a highly skilled winemaker with an extensive understanding of the terroir. Matthew, alongside his family, meticulously oversees each stage of production to ensure the quality and individuality of each bottle. With a focus on balance and complexity, the winemaking approach for Virtuoso Chardonnay involves wild yeast fermentation, barrel aging, and careful lees stirring. This approach enhances the wine's complexity, adding layers of texture and depth while showcasing the vineyard's unique attributes.

A Chardonnay that is both opulent and refined. On the nose, it exudes aromas of ripe stone fruit, citrus, and subtle floral notes, complemented by hints of vanilla and toasted oak from its time in barrel. The palate is equally compelling, with vibrant acidity balancing flavors of peach, apricot, and a touch of minerality. Silky and well-structured, the finish is long and nuanced, revealing additional notes of nutmeg and butterscotch. This Chardonnay is a quintessential expression of Waipara, seamlessly blending elegance with power, making it an excellent choice for wine enthusiasts seeking depth and sophistication.