Pegasus Bay Bel Canto Riesling 2020

 

Layered and generous, this is a serious Riesling for serious Riesling lovers. Harvested a little later and fermented dry, it's such an expressive and considered wine. Dive in with pike!

Black Estate Damsteep Pet Nat 2022

 

The best Pet Nat I have tasted. There, I said it! I could actually have a glass of this, and another, and probably another. Refreshing deluxe, this is a great fizz. 

Pegasus Bay Prima Donna Pinot Noir 2019

 

The flagship wine for Pegasus Bay, this is just brilliant. Its class is evident when lined up alongside its sibling, albeit the latter was a year younger. There is more density and generosity yet there is no denying the sexy and lacy appeal. Boom!

Pegasus Bay Maestro 2019

 

The Maestro represents the best of the Pegasus Bay Bordeaux fruit. I was privileged to receive a pre-release sample and all I can suggest is that you get in the queue. There is a class about its swagger and I just want more.

Pegasus Bay Riesling 2019

 

There is a richness about this Riesling from New Zealand's Waipara region. It's not the fresh citrus type you may expect, nor is it trying to be. A considered and inviting release that keeps you coming back for more.

The Bone Line Iridium 2018

 

From a small winery in New Zealand's North Canterbury region, The Bone Line is dishing up some very smart wines. This blend is another example of that. Give it some air and it's a dangerous drink. Cool evenings with whispy pink clouds in the sky as the sun sets - the perfect match awaits. 

Pegasus Bay Virtuoso Chardonnay 2019

 

Easily one of the best Chardonnays you will find in New Zealand, the team at Pegasus Bay seemingly achieve supreme class almost effortlessly. Go here, please do.

Georges Road Block Three Riesling 2021

 

A minerally driven off-dry Riesling with eight grams of residual sugar, find a spicy Asian inspired dish to take you to your happy place.

Black Estate Damsteep Pinot Noir 2020

 

Another fascinating Pinot Noir from New Zealand's Waipara region, this Black Estate Damsteep is expressive and layered.

Pegasus Bay Pinot Noir 2020

 

Moreish and delicious in equal doses, the delicacy and generosity of these Pegasus Bay Pinots are captivating.

Pegasus Bay Chardonnay 2019

 

Like your Chardonnays generous? Here is your weapon! There is so much to grab onto here. Handfuls of interest beckon for your attention. 

Pegasus Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2021

 

Classy and considered, this is a superb Sauvignon Blanc. Yet to be released in Australia and New Zealand, what a treat it is to have a sneak peek at wines like these. 

Greystone Organic Chardonnay 2020

 

Another wonderful Chardonnay from New Zealand's Waipara region.

The Boneline Sharkstone Chardonnay 2020

 

This is all about blue skies and whispy white cloud days. Such a delicious and classy Chardonnay, this will evaporate slowly over the afternoon among friends. Just brilliant!

Mount Brown Estates Grand Reserve Pinot Gris 2020

 

What a beauty this is. From the base of Mount Brown in New Zealand's Waipara region comes this detailed Pinot Gris. 

Georges Road Southbank Pinot Noir 2020

 

Expressive and alluring, this Waipara Pinot from a small producer Georges Road oozes charisma and class in plentiful doses.  

Greystone Wines Vineyard Ferment Pinot Noir 2020

Bringing the winery to the vineyard in unison, this Waipara Pinot Noir was crushed and fermented in the vineyard delivering an impressive expression of Pinot Noir.

The French word “terroir” is often used in wine conversations but the Kiwis have a Maori term “Turangawaewae” which is translated to “a place to stand” empowering connection to the land. That's precisely what has taken place here.

Black Estate Home Pinot Noir 2020

 

A wonderfully complex Pinot Noir from New Zealand's Black Estate. From Waipara which can be found less than an hour north of Christchurch, the brand was established in 1994.

Scout Waipara Pinot Noir 2020

 

I traveled to Waipara in February 2020 and fell in love with the place. Less than an hour from Christchurch airport, we found a cozy place to stay at Georges Road winery. The Wine Pod is brilliant. Go there with your loved one.

What struck me about Waipara is the finesse of the wines. Pinot rages on in this district (like most in New Zealand), but Waipara Pinot is different. It really speaks to me. There is some depth yet it possesses a salivating medium-bodied appeal. The fruit isn't overly dense yet has some carry. There is some vitality about the wine too, not to mention the soils that hum along in the background. This Pinot Noir from Scout is a ripper.

Pegasus Bay Pinot Noir 2017

 

From the North Canterbury region's first winery, this Pinot is a beauty. Most Pinots from the Waipara district are a little leaner and juicier but Pegasus Bay has been able to demonstrate some power with a graceful touch.