As one of the pioneers of grape growing in
Waipara, Pegasus Bay has a deservedly high reputation for
the quality of their wine so it was no wonder this tasting was so popular. Edward
Donaldson did a great job representing the Donaldson family, providing us with
background into the family and winery, vineyards and wine-making philosophy. Pegasus Bay is a winery immediately to the fore
when discussing New Zealand Riesling so with this in mind the tasting was based
around this marvellously versatile grape along with Pinot Noir.
On arrival there was the Main Divide
Riesling 2009. The Main Divide wines are from South Island
‘Grower’ vineyards, chosen for their unique Terroir and grape quality. The superb
value Riesling is from Waipara. It has a bright lemon colour, lime zest and
peachy bouquet that flows on to the slightly spritzy palate, fresh and
delicious the wonderful balance hides it’s 30gm residual sugar wonderfully
well.
Next up was the Bel Canto 2009, light gold
with ripe peach and nectarine aromas with hints of toast, spice and minerals.
Fresh yet lush on the palate, a hint of noble botrytis adding complexity, there
are many nuances to be found in the Bel Canto, no doubt this will age superbly.
Next up was the winner of the ‘Riesling
Challenge’, as voted by the other Challenge wine-makers. Fresh, limey, medium
sweet, I felt this lacked complexity and expression in relation to the other
Rieslings although still very enjoyable.
Then we had a flight of three Pegasus Bay
Rieslings. First there was the 2003, light gold, orange and lime bouquet with
floral and mineral notes, some toasty secondary characters showing although
still deliciously youthful even at eight years of age. The 2006 showed the
orange/lime zest note common to a lot of their Rieslings. Crisp, well balanced
and long. The 2008 had a light lemon gold colour, fuller, seemingly richer
bouquet, a touch of marmalade. Zesty with hints of spice and impeccable balance
and length, superb!
Next were the sweet wines. The Aria 2008
has light gold colour, initially with a huge botrytis nose with orange marmalade,
apricots and jasmine notes. The palate has great elegance and length, crisply
balanced finish hiding the r/s. Super stuff. The Encore 2008 is made from fully
Botrytised grapes, light gold in colour, intense orange, peach and apricot
bouquet with some savoury notes lead to an unctuous palate with tropical fruit
flavours and great persistence.
We then turned to the Pinot Noirs. Firstly,
the two Main Divide reserve wines. The Tipinui 2008 is from the Brancott Valley
in Marlborough.
Cherry red, lovely fragrant bouquet, black cherry and dark fruit with a savoury
undertone, so smooth you barely notice the fine supple tannin. The Tehau 2007 is
from a Waipara vineyard. Cherry in colour with red fruits and smoky bbq notes,
hints of minerals and plums. Quite smoky on the palate with savoury notes.
Finally we had two Pegasus Bay Pinot Noirs.
The 2003 was red with some bricking, vanillin notes with ripe cherry/red fruit
bouquet and savoury mushroom complexities. There are delicious secondary
flavours now and the tannins have softened. A great example, showing how their
Pinot Noir ages so gracefully. The 2008 has good colour, rich red fruit on the
nose, concentrated palate, some oak and mineral hints and long fine tannins.
Quite delicious.
These wines provided a snapshot of a
winemaker at the top of their game, crafting wonderful wines expressive of
their site. Many thanks to Ed for hosting a thoroughly enjoyable tasting.