Sauvignon made by a Riesling master

Pegasus Bay , a prestigious winery representing North Canterbury, specializes in Riesling . Its outstanding perfection has captivated Riesling fans around the world, and it has become the winery's signature wine.

However, there is no compromise in the Sauvignon Blanc either. Rather, it is surprising how a Sauvignon made by a Riesling maker with a serious attitude can be of 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 is refreshing and deep in the mouth, with a strong shell-like minerality. The flavor seems to grow smoothly towards the finish, which is very pleasant.

Big changes at a prestigious school

However, this flavor is actually the result of a major change . Until now, Pegasus Bay's Sauvignon Blanc was characterized by a high blend of Semillon and a complex, full-bodied flavor that could be paired with meat dishes. Yes, the style is completely different from now .

In this latest vintage, a small amount of Semillon is used to maintain three-dimensionality, but the overall finish is one that pursues transparency 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 renewal of style due to the change in brewer, but more than that, it feels like a "preview" that Pegasus Bay has entered the next phase .

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

Cultivation and winemaking

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

Additionally, some of the fruit is fermented whole and then aged on the lees for 10 months to add flavour 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 matched with the acidity and fruitiness of the wine.
• Steamed oysters with lemon
  The lingering mineral aftertaste cleanly balances the umami of the oysters.
• Lemongrass fried chicken
  The aroma of herbs and the green color of the wine blend together pleasantly to create a perfect combination.
• Salmon tartare
  The rich salmon is lightly enveloped in a refreshing acidity and fruitiness.

About the Winery "Pegasus Bay"

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

The winery was founded in 1986 by Ivan Donaldson, a neurologist, wine writer and wine judge. He started the winery with his wife Christine, but now the whole family, including their sons, run it.

Waipara has a large daily temperature difference and a dry autumn, which allows the grapes to ripen for a very long time, resulting in grapes that are concentrated with just the right amount of acidity. Pegasus Bay has taken advantage of this favorable climatic condition to build a reputation as an excellent winery for Riesling and Pinot Noir.

Although they are a family-run business, the distinctive wines they produce have earned them acclaim 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 Programme.

They cultivate grapes using the most natural methods possible, without using any unnecessary pesticides or herbicides, and employ many staff members to perform the precise 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 covers 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 from Christchurch on a day trip, produces premium wines such as Riesling and Pinot Noir and is a popular tourist destination.

Pegasus Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2024