Pegasus Bay Merlot Cabernet 2021 750ml
Pegasus Bay Merlot Cabernet 750ml
Awarded 95/100 Points & 5 Stars - Bob Campbell, Master of Wine,
Awarded 94/100 Points & 5 Stars - Sam Kim, Wine Orbit
THE VINEYARD
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 microclimate. The vines are over 30 years old, with a large proportion planted on their own roots. They are located on the “Glasnevin Gravels” where greywacke stones, silt and loam have been washed down from the mountains over the millennia. The soil is 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.
THE WINE
Upon release, it is an intense garnet colour. The bouquet is an arresting melange of black fruit and savoury aromas. Dark cherry, blackcurrant and plum soon morph into truffle, woodsmoke, leather and spice, along with faint mineral notes. In the mouth, the wine is full-bodied and assertive, laden with ripe elegant tannins and a classic structure. The larger Merlot component ensures the blend remains succulent and fruit-driven, however, there is a backbone of perfectly judged acid and tannins from the Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec that balances the wine, offering outstanding depth and harmony. While ready to drink now, it will evolve gracefully in the bottle for many years to come.
Alc: 13.5%
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