Pegasus Bay ‘Waipara’ Cabernet Franc 2021
Grape Varietal: 100% Cabernet Franc
Growing Region: Waipara Valley - New Zealand
*Winemaker: Matt Donaldson
Marketing / Exports: Ed Donaldson
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 grapes were picked in April and then allowed to ferment naturally. The wine was then gently pressed off and put into French oak barriques, where it was aged for 18 months before tasting and then bottling.
★ In the glass a deep plum red colour with a shining hue. On the inviting nose aromas of small wild berries, violets, lavender, dried herbs and subtle forest undergrowth notes. The palate is medium weight, your senses are engaged by those raw wild mixed berries, plums, dried spice and confident tobacco nuances from diligent time in French oak. This wine has a balanced amount of fruit acidity and a thin mineral seam giving direction to the forest mushrooms and liquorice highlights. The result is a complex wine with a fine-grained texture and a beguiling dry finish.
This 2021 Pegasus Bay ‘Estate’ Cabernet Franc has 13.8% Alc./vol. Made in a classic dry style. Good decanting required (50-60 minutes) and serve in a generously shaped wine glass at 16°- 17°C. • *NZ$38
CELLARING POTENTIAL: *(Review 14/6/25)
With good decanting approachable this season; and will age nicely for another 6 - 7 years.
FOOD PAIRING SUGGESTIONS:
Perfect wine pairing with slow roasted or char-grilled meats, mixed kebabs, wild game dishes served with a wine-jus and earthy vegetables and duck-fat chunky-chips, mushroom & truffle pasta dishes, along with aged hard cheeses - enjoy.
