Pegasus Bay Chardonnay 2023

Pegasus Bay Chardonnay is a beautifully rich and complex North Canterbury Chardonnay from the Donaldson family's celebrated Waipara Valley winery. The 2023 vintage delivers layers of ripe melon, pineapple and nashi pear, complemented by toasted nuts, gentle barrel spice, crushed thyme and a distinctive hint of gunflint. Full-bodied and wonderfully textured, it has a creamy richness balanced by lively natural acidity, giving the wine impressive depth without sacrificing freshness. Traditional Burgundian winemaking techniques and careful French oak maturation add further complexity, while the long, refined finish makes every sip a pleasure. A superb match for roast chicken, grilled crayfish, creamy mushroom dishes or pan-seared fish.

What the winery says:

The 2023 Chardonnay comes from mature vines grown on the free-draining Glasnevin Gravels of Pegasus Bay's north-facing Waipara Valley terraces, with many vines over 30 years old. The grapes were hand-picked in stages during late March and early April, then gently trodden underfoot to enhance complexity and structure. Unclarified free-run juice was fermented with indigenous yeasts in large French oak puncheons, approximately 70% of which were seasoned oak. The wine was matured on its natural yeast lees, with partial spontaneous malolactic fermentation adding richness and texture. After approximately 12 months of maturation, the finished wine shows ripe tropical fruit, toasty spice, flinty complexity and a beautifully balanced, creamy palate.

What the experts say:

Cameron Douglas MS, 94/100 (2023)
“An attractive and enticing bouquet of peach and vanilla, there’s a light oak quality suggesting cashew nut and baking spices then a fine lees quality adding complexity and depth. A dry wine touches the palate first with flavours of yellow stone fruits and baked apple, some lemon and grapefruit twist that follow. Perfect layer of acidity for balance and freshness. Weighty, balanced, well made and ready. Best drinking from 2024 through 2028.”

Jacobo García Andrade, James Suckling, 93/100 (2023)
“Peaches, pineapple and a touch of flint on the nose. Medium- to full-bodied with plenty of fleshy stone fruit, freshness and a subtle texture. Vibrant and focused finish. Drink now.”