Pegasus Bay Merlot Cabernet 2020

On release it has a deep crimson tint. A sensuous amalgam of dark fruit, wood smoke and spice rise temptingly from the glass. Impressions of bramble, cherry and plum first on attack, followed by a flotilla of roasted red pepper, aniseed, tobacco leaf, leather, and mint. The mouthfeel is impressively concentrated, with confident tannins and radiant acidity weaving across a wide, succulent palate. Brawny and classically structured, the voyage ends with a sustained and spice laden finish. While ready to drink now, this wine will reward careful cellaring for many years to come.

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 30 years old, with a large proportion planted on their own roots. The soil is free draining and 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.

This wine is made in the same style as the celebrated Claret from Bordeaux, using traditional methods. After being picked in April, the grapes began fermentation naturally in stainless steel tanks. During this process the juice was regularly drained and sprayed back over the cap of floating grape skins (rather than plunging), to ensure a perfect tannin balance was extracted from the fruit. The wine was then gently pressed off and put into French oak barriques (25% new). The following summer, when the weather warmed, it underwent a natural malo-lactic (secondary) fermentation. After maturing in oak for 18 months, the various batches were then carefully blended to produce the best wine possible.

18 months in French oak