Pegasus Bay Merlot Cabernet 2023

Pegasus Bay Merlot Cabernet is a rich, beautifully structured North Canterbury red from the Donaldson family's celebrated Waipara Valley winery. Crafted in the traditional Bordeaux style, the 2023 vintage combines the generosity of Merlot with the depth and structure of Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by smaller portions of Malbec and Cabernet Franc. The wine bursts with dark plum, blackberry and cassis, layered with cinnamon, sweet tobacco, cigar smoke and savoury herbs. Full-bodied and wonderfully concentrated, the palate offers succulent dark fruit, silky texture and polished tannins, with vibrant acidity keeping everything beautifully balanced. A wine with excellent cellaring potential, it's a superb match for grilled steak, slow-cooked beef, roast lamb or hearty game dishes.

What the winery says:

The 2023 Merlot Cabernet comes from mature vines over 30 years old, planted on the free-draining Glasnevin Gravels of Pegasus Bay's north-facing Waipara Valley terraces. A favourable growing season, with warm summer conditions and extended ripening, produced beautifully concentrated, healthy fruit. Harvested over several weeks in April, the grapes were naturally fermented in stainless steel tanks, with regular pump-overs to achieve balanced tannin extraction. Following pressing, the wine was transferred to French oak barriques, approximately 20% new, for 18 months of maturation, during which it underwent natural malolactic fermentation. Predominantly Merlot, with Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and a small amount of Cabernet Franc, the finished wine displays dark forest berries, wood spice, cinnamon and dried herbs, with impressive richness, fine tannins and a long, savoury finish.

What the experts say:

Cameron Douglas MS, 94/100 (2023)
“Great colour intensity with youthful hues at the rime lead to a bouquet of dark berries and lots of Doris plum ideas - fresh and baked. Dense, rich and weighty bouquet overall enhanced with scents of sweet tobacco and barrel spices, wood smoke and earth smoke suggesting dark clays and stone. Excellent weight and style, firmness of youthful with some big tannins to tame and acidity to carry the intensity, fruit and freshness. A delightful wine to consider and decide alongside high protein foods. Length and well made with best drinking from 2028 through 2036+.”

Candice Chow, Raymond Chan Reviews, 18.5+/20 (2023)
"Deep ruby-red with a dark core, slightly lighter on the rim. The nose is gently full, with aromas of plum, blackcurrant, mint, spice and a touch of meaty element. Medium-bodied, with aromas of plum and blackcurrant interweaved with dried mint, clove, liquorice and smoky nuances. The wine is enriched by firm tannins, reflecting spices and smoky hints, and lingers with dark-toned fruit to a savoury finish. Match with sirloin steak and smoked brisket over the next 10 years. The fruit was picked over several weeks, fermented naturally in stainless steel tanks, pumped over and, then pressed off into French oak barriques, 20% new approx, aged for 18 months. Predominantly Merlot, with Cabernet and Malbec, and a small amount of Cabernet Franc. 18+/20 pts (91 pts) Oct 2025."

Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, 93/100 (2023)
“This is splendidly fruited with enticing complexity, showing blackcurrant, dark plum, bouquet garni, game, and assorted nut aromas. It's wonderfully weighted and plump in the mouth, displaying fleshy texture backed by chalky tannins, making it sturdy and robust with a persistent, satisfying finish. At its best: now to 2033. Sept 2025.”