2022 Pegasus Bay Riesling, Waipara

On release it has a beguiling lemon hue. Erupting from the glass is a crescendo of citrus, tropical and perfume, anchored by a steely mineral footing. Impressions of grapefruit, lychee, green apple, and lime sherbet are overlaid with subtle hints of rose petal and geranium, and an intriguing whisp of flint. The mouthfeel is crisp and energised, its juicy fresh fruit favours supported by a fine thread of acid that balances the wines off-dry finish perfectly. Structured yet elegant, it closes with a long, salivating finish, tempting the receiver back for more.

The vineyard is located within the Waipara Valley of North Canterbury, on free draining, north facing terraces. 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 35 years old, with a large proportion planted on their own roots. They are located on the “Glasnevin Gravels” where greywacke stones, silt and loam have been washed down from the mountains over the millennia. The soil is 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.