…stage presence

Pegasus Bay have been crafting industry acclaimed wines in Waipara since the 1980s. Owned and operated by the Donaldson family, being founded by Ivan and Christine, along with their children over time having key roles within the business.
The vineyard which is the source of this wine is located within the Waipara Valley of North Canterbury in the South Island of New Zealand. The vines are now over 35 years old, situated on free draining, north facing terraces, with a large proportion of the vines planted on their own roots. The vines are growing in what is locally known as the 'Glasnevin Gravels' which are greywacke stones, silt and loam that has been washed down from the mountains over the millennia. The soil is of low fertility, resulting in low yields of optimally ripe, high quality, flavourful grapes, which fully express the qualities of this unique terroir. Once deemed the ideal time, the fruit for this wine was hand-picked in stages during the second half of March. The pressed juice went into large French oak barrels (puncheons, with 40% new), for diligent vinification and controlled maturation on its own yeast lees (sur lie). It then had approximately 10 months maturation prior to tasting & estate bottling.

★ This wine has a lemon gold colour with a shining hue. On the articulate nose you have buttered popcorn, peach skin, almonds, vanilla toast with a subtle note of old school lemon drops. These all carry forth with swagger onto the medium weight stage, showcasing those white peaches, vanilla cream toast, citrus, ripe apples and a customary biscotti nuance. The palate is well structured with an articulate nature and agile balance even with multiple thin layers and a detailed character revealing themselves with each new sip and leading to a captivating crescendo.

This 2021 Pegasus Bay ‘VIRTUOSO’ Chardonnay has 13.5% Alc./vol. Made in a classic dry style. No decanting required and serve in a medium shaped wine glass at 8°- 10°C • *NZ$67

CELLARING POTENTIAL: *(Review 2/11/25)
Drinking perfecting well this season; and will age nicely for another 3 - 4 years.

FOOD PAIRING SUGGESTIONS:
Perfect wine pairing with a slow cooked lemon-herb glazed roast chicken w/ lightly coated potato croquets, pork-n-crackling with an apple sauce and steamed seasonal greens, plus mild creamy cheeses on lightly toasted ciabatta - enjoy.