“Pegasus Bay Merlot Cabernet ages like clockwork”
- Matthew Jukes, 100 Most Iconic Wine Estates
Merlot Cabernet
A mild spring was followed by extremely hot weather over the early and middle parts of the summer which made us wonder whether we might lose varietal typicity. Subsequently the weather moderated and the autumn was dry, lingering and warm. Overall pattern of early development and maturation with a gentle, drawn out ripening period, promoted bright, ripe fruit flavours and tannins, with soft, natural acidity.
We have 6 clones of merlot, 3 clones of malbec, 2 clones of cabernet sauvignon and 1 clone of cabernet franc in our vineyard. They were all harvested, fermented and matured separately. This final classical style wine was produced by blending these according to taste just prior to bottling.
After picking the fruit was carefully hand selected so that only the best grapes were used. These were then fermented in vats in the traditional Bordeaux manner with the developing wine being taken from the bottom of the tanks, aerated by splashing and pumped back over the floating cap of grape skins to keep them moist. After the fermentation ceased the new wine was kept in contact with the remnants of the grapes for a period, the optimal duration for each vat being determined by daily tasting. The wine was then pressed and put into oak barriques, 30% of which were new. In the spring after harvest, when the barrel cellar began to warm, the wine underwent natural malo-lactic fermentation by the action of its own indigenous organisms. It was matured in these barriques for a period of 2 years and during this time, 4-6 rackings were carried out so that it achieved clarity without filtration.
The wine has a deep ruby hue. The merlot provides plump, plumy characters in a framework of ripe tannins, while the malbec supports this structure and adds an aromatic, rose-petal-like element. Black currant and cassis hints come from the cabernet sauvignon and the cabernet franc adds an elegance. These are integrated by a savoury overlay suggestive of cigar smoke, coffee beans and black olives. It seems to expand in the palate becoming mouth-filling and rich, but yet has velvety tannins and a lingering after-taste. Although it is ready to drink on release, with careful cellaring it should continue to develop additional layers of complexity.
2020
“ … wonderfully flavoursome palate delivering excellent weight and plump mouthfeel ... bold yet stylish ....”
- Sam Kim, www,wineorbit.co.nz, NZ
“A delicious dark and complex blend … an exceptional value red that drinks beautifully now and can age further.”
- Joelle Thomson, Drinksbiz Magazine, NZ
“I really like the flower and red fruits here that flow across the palate. Medium-bodied with fine tannins and a reserved finish. Very classy ...”
- James Suckling Wine Reviews, www.jamessuckling.com, USA
“… Deeply coloured, it is full-bodied and rich … supple tannins and a well-rounded finish. Still very youthful”
- Michael Cooper, www.michaelcooperwines.com, NZ
“… Lots to like about this wine. Will age well...”
- Cameron Douglas MS, www.camdouglasms.com, NZ
2019
“… Savoury chocolate notes add depth to the black-fruited palate.”
- James Suckling Wine Reviews, www.jamessuckling.com, USA
“This superb full-bodied blend hails from the Waipara Valley in the heart of North Canterbury … Dark blackberry fruit flavours marry nicely with the smooth soft appeal of Merlot.”
- Joelle Thomson, Drinksbiz Magazine, NZ
“… A saucy blend of merlot, cabernet sauvignon, malbec and cabernet franc … velvety-smooth textures and layers of plum, mocha, hints of leather and tobacco leaf on the palate … Yum!.”
- Yvonne Lorkin, www.yvonnelorkin.com, NZ
“… very good complexity, gentle tannins, and a supple, finely textured finish.”
- Michael Cooper, Michael Cooper’s Buyer’s Guide, NZ
“Big, brooding, earthy, Bordelais style … full-bodied, nicely weighted with rich, chewy tannins and positive length ….”
- New Zealand Wine Writer, Stephen Bennett MW & Lynnette Hudson, NZ
“ … Seductively smooth-textured wine … Delicious, complex red with good cellaring potential. Clearly from a top vintage …”
- Bob Campbell MW, The Real Review, NZ
“Richly fruited and enticing … flavoursome in the mouth with excellent weight and persistency. Plump and fleshy with a prolonged delicious finish.”
- Sam Kim, www,wineorbit.co.nz, NZ
“The wine possesses power and good energy generated by richness and concentration. This is readily delicious, with elegant and poise on a well-structured palate….”
- Candice Chow, www.raymondchanwinereviews.co.nz, NZ
2018
“Remarkable red that probably owes much of its rich, ripe flavours to relatively old vines and the experienced hand of winemaker, Mat Donaldson …”
- Bob Campbell MW, www.bobcampbell.nz, NZ
“… Well made, youthful, fleshy and long. A lovely example ready to enjoy …”
- Cameron Douglas MS, camerondouglasms.com, NZ
“… mouthfiling with concentration, vibrant blackcurrant, plum, herb and spice flavours, showing good complexity, finely balanced tannins and obvious cellaring potential.”
- Michael Cooper, Winestate Magazine, AUS
"Delightfully fruited and fragrant … succulent and smooth … finishing long and flavoursome"
- Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, wineorbit.co.nz, NZ
2016
“...Concentrated … This is a refined Merlot and Cabernet based blend … on a vibrant palate with fine structure”
- Raymond Chan, raymondchanwinereviews.co.nz, NZ
“ … Dry, firm textures, youthful, ripe and loaded with flavour …Plenty of length and finish … “
- Cameron Douglas MS, camerondouglasms.com, NZ
“ … Powerful, juicy, dark fruits dance on the palate …Sumptuous fine-grained tannins and beautiful balance… Amazingly long and delicious finish …”
- Mark Henderson, Otago Daily Times, NZ
“ … This has richness and fullness on the palate with plump plums holding very deep, fleshy and long”
- Nick Stock, jamessuckling.com, USA
2013
“An impressive wine for the ball of succulent ripe plum-flavored fruit it dishes up amid succulently ripe tannins and fresh, earthy, background complexity. This has all-round appeal, casual or formal!”
- Nick Stock, jamessuckling.com, USA
“ … strong, vibrant blackcurrant, plum and spice flavours, finely integrated oak, ripe, supple tannins, and excellent depth, complexity and harmony.”
- Michael Copper, michaelcooper.co.nz, NZ
“ …. immensely appealing …. Excellent length"
- Winestate Magazine, AUS
“ … Lovely bouquet of fruit, mineral, concentration and charm … complex and intriguing … Great example from Canterbury”
- Cameron Douglas MS, camerondouglasms.blogspot.co.nz, NZ
2012
"…The nose is seamlessly melded and reveals fragrant spices, musk and a suggestion of camphor. Medium-full bodied, the palate is softly concentrated with integrated flavours ... good depth and the palate flows smoothly with satin-like tannins, and underlying acid vitality. ... long, complex….”
- Raymond Chan, raymondchanwinereviews.co.nz, NZ
2011
“Full-coloured, with fresh plum, spice and nutty oak flavours, showing excellent complexity and depth."
- Michael Cooper's Buyers Guide, NZ
2010
“impressive complexity …” Good intensity of flavours…The oak is perfectly integrated and there’s a lovely round, supple texture in the mouth, giving superb structure and balance
- WineNZ magazine
100 best wines "Chewy, fleshy red with plum, dark berry chocolate/mocha and nutty oak flavours. Deliciously accessible red.”
- Bob Campbell MW - Taste magazine, NZ
2009
"Top Tip" “From an excellent vintage this is a bold and intense wine with aromas and flavours of dark plums, blackberries, cassis and blueberries. It has mealy style that makes it dense and long lasting.”
- TizWine.com, NZ
