Pegasus Bay Mail Order Tasting 2015

Every November, Edward and Belinda Donaldson visit Wellington to show the Pegasus Bay mail order clientele a full range of their wines. The wines include rare library and limited bottlings, wines yet to be released, and large format wines suitable for parties and special occasions. I usually spend a good amount of time to taste through all the wines, often fighting my way through the crowds to get served. The reward is a fantastic overview of the portfolio of one of New Zealand’s best wine producers. In 2013, I chose Pegasus Bay as my ‘Winery of the Year’. Since then, nothing has changed: the wines are just as pleasing and as good as they were then. If one was being critical, I would say the wines are even better now, as the team add to their experience, and the vines grow in maturity. www.pegasusbay.com

This year, I did not have the time to go through the complete range, afterall there were over 20 wines on offer, approximately half of them being the ‘Reserve’ bottlings. But Belinda and Edward mentioned I should taste two rather rare, and thus special wines. I offer my brief notes on them here.

The first release of this varietal from Pegasus Bay. 14.0% alc. and approx. 20 g/L RS. Pale coloured. The nose is very soft with harmoniously interwoven aromas of musk an Muscat tea-leaf with hints of Asian spices. Medium I, sweetness, the mouthfeel is soft and luscious, but balanced by lively acidity lending a gentle cut to the palate. Soft textured phenolics sit at the core and the wine unfolds flavours tropical fruits, exotic flowers and musk. The wine has a soft unctuousness which combines with the residual sugar carrying through to a soft, sustained finish. A match with Middle Eastern and Asian fare over the next 2-3 years. 18.5-/20 Nov 2015 RRP $30.00

The only commercial release of a Syrah from Pegasus Bay. Limited quantities were made in earlier vintages, the vines now top-grafted. 14.0% alc, the wine aged 18 months in barrel. Moderately dark ruby-red colour. The bouquet features soft and densely packed aromas of savoury red berry fruits with notes of black pepper, Middle Eastern spices and dried herbs, all harmoniously integrated. Medium-full bodied, the fruit is soft and lusciously sweet with red berry fruits, Asian spices and soft peppery notes. The fruit is lifted and enlivened by fresh, bright acidity, giving vitality to the mouthfeel. The fruit is underlined by gentle, fine-grained tannins at the core which lead to a soft, drying finish. This is drinking well now. Serve with slow-cooked game mats and casseroles over the next 3+ years. Only 70 cases made. Now sold out. 18.0/20 Nov 2015 RRP $N/A