2021 Pegasus Bay Waipara Pinot Noir
The 2021 Pegasus Bay Waipara Pinot Noir is a dark-toned, seductive expression of one of New Zealand's most distinctive wine regions. Waipara sits in North Canterbury — a warmer, drier pocket of cool-climate New Zealand that produces Pinot Noir of exceptional depth and complexity. In the hands of Pegasus Bay, the result is a wine of real presence and character.
Pegasus Bay was established by the Donaldson family in 1986 and has become the benchmark producer of Waipara Valley wine. Ivan Donaldson and his sons have built a reputation for wines of extraordinary depth and longevity — Pinot Noir that rivals the best of Central Otago and Marlborough, but with a distinctly different character: darker, richer, and more savoury. This is a wine for those who want something beyond the obvious.
Deep ruby in colour with an alluring bouquet of boysenberry, black cherry, and cacao, underpinned by a savoury underlay of wood spice, roast game, truffle, leather, and a tickle of cinnamon. The palate is decadently ripe and supple-bodied, with fine-grained tannins and generous fruit weight that combine to beautifully harmonise the wine. A backbone of zippy acidity adds structure and length on the long, succulent close.
Medium to full-bodied with fine-grained tannins and a rich, savoury character. Drinking beautifully now and will continue to develop through 2030–2033. Decant for 45 minutes to 1 hour to allow the aromatics to fully open.
At HK$339, the Pegasus Bay Pinot Noir delivers Waipara Valley depth and complexity at a price that is hard to match. The Donaldson family's track record for consistency and quality, combined with the region's distinctive terroir, makes this one of the most compelling Pinot Noir purchases in the store. A wine that rewards both immediate enjoyment and short-term cellaring.
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