Sauvignon made by a Riesling master

Pegasus Bay , a prestigious winery representing North Canterbury, specializes in Riesling , a wine that has captivated Riesling fans around the world and is synonymous with the winery.

However, there is no compromise on the Sauvignon Blanc either. In fact, it is surprising how a Sauvignon made with such sincerity by a Riesling producer can achieve such perfection.

When I visited in February 2025, Edward, the second son of the founding Donaldson family, recommended this new vintage Sauvignon Blanc to me.

Tasting Comments

Aromas of mandarin orange, green apple, and freshly cut grass rise from the glass.

It's refreshing yet deep in the mouth, with a distinct shell-like minerality. The flavor then develops smoothly towards the finish, which is very pleasant.

A major change at a prestigious school

However, this flavor is actually the result of a major change . Until now, Pegasus Bay Sauvignon Blanc was a blend with a high percentage of Semillon , and was characterized by its complexity and richness, making it suitable for pairing with meat dishes. Yes, the style is completely different from what it is now .

This latest vintage features a small amount of Semillon to maintain its three-dimensionality, but the overall finish is one that pursues clarity and elegance.

This is largely due to the fact that Matthew, the eldest son of the Donaldson family, who had been the head brewer for many years, has left the company and a new team has now been formed .

This change in flavor can be interpreted as a style renewal resulting from a change in brewer, but more than that, it feels like a "preview" that indicates Pegasus Bay has entered its next phase .

From stately to elegant. This watch symbolizes this trend and could be said to reflect the future.

Cultivation and vinification

The fruit is harvested from vines over 35 years old, and the unique temperature differences between day and night in the cool Waipara Valley create a good balance of acidity and ripeness.

Additionally, some of the fruit is fermented whole and aged on the lees for 10 months to add flavor and texture.

Pairing example

• Clams steamed in white wine
  The umami of the shellfish and the minerality of the wine combine to bring out each other's delicate flavors.
• Pan-fried sea bass with lemon butter sauce
  The richness of the citrus and butter is perfectly complemented by the acidity and fruitiness of the wine.
• Steamed oysters with lemon
  The lingering mineral aftertaste cleanly balances the oyster flavor.
• Lemongrass stir-fried chicken
  The aroma of herbs and the blue color of the wine blend pleasantly together to create a wonderful combination.
• Salmon tartare
  The rich salmon is lightly enveloped in a refreshing acidity and fruitiness.

About Pegasus Bay Winery

Pegasus Bay is a winery that represents Waipara, a wine region in the Canterbury region.

Founded in 1986 by neurologist, wine writer, and wine judge Ivan Donaldson, he initially started the winery with his wife Christine, but now the winery is run by the entire family, including their sons.

Waipara's dry autumns, with large daily temperature differences, allow for a very long ripening period for the grapes, resulting in concentrated grapes with just the right amount of acidity. Pegasus Bay has taken advantage of this favourable climatic condition to build a reputation as a premium winery for Riesling and Pinot Noir.

Although they are a family-run business, the distinctive wines they produce have received high praise from around the world, and they have been selected as one of the top five wineries in New Zealand by renowned wine critic Robert Parker Jr.

Pegasus Bay is also certified by the New Zealand Winegrowers Sustainable Viticulture Program.

They cultivate grapes using the most natural methods possible, without using unnecessary pesticides or herbicides, and employ many staff members to perform the meticulous manual work, ensuring high-quality cultivation management.

About the Canterbury/Waipara region

Canterbury/Waipara is located on the east coast of New Zealand's South Island and is characterized by a cool, dry climate.

North Canterbury, which is the country's largest plain, is also one of the world's leading lamb producing regions, and the wineries scattered throughout the region offer a wide variety of wines.

Waipara, which can be reached on a day trip from Christchurch, produces premium wines such as Riesling and Pinot Noir and is a popular tourist destination.

Pegasus Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2024

item	Content
Winery Name	Pegasus Bay
Country of origin	new zealand
Origin	Waipara Valley
kinds	white
Grape varieties	Sauvignon Blanc Semillon
Vintage	2024
Alcohol content	13.5%
capacity	750ml
others	Sustainable Certification
remarks	screw cap