2020 Pegasus Bay Maestro Merlot Cabernet
Grape
Usually a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec
Its Origins
Located in arguably New Zealand's most exciting wine region of North Canterbury (more specifically, Waipara), albeit sparsely scattered with wine estates it is at the forefront of interesting and unique wines in NZ. This is due in part to a fabulous free-draining, well protected terroir. Pegasus Bay is run by the Donaldson family who were pioneers in the region and have been involved with local grape growing and winemaking since the 1970's. The whole family are involved in the process from grape to bottle, and a deep respect for the land, with a long term view towards vine and soil health typifies the Donaldson Family's approach to grape growing. Pegasus Bay is an accredited member of the NZWG sustainable viticulture program and are firm believers of using natural methods to combat pests and diseases rather than the application of unnecessary pesticides and herbicides.
What The Critics Say
93/100 James Suckling
"A restrained yet rich blended red with lots of red berry, dark chocolate and graphite aromas and flavors. Full and layered with fine tannins and a long and poised finish."
96/100 Raymond Chan Reviews, Candice Chow (2019 vintage)
"Full, deep inky red, lighter on the rim. The nose is full, with power and layers, enveloping blackberry, boysenberry, plum, an amalgam of spice, a hint of jerky, cedar, herb and an earthy underlay. Full-bodied, aromas of blackberry, boysenberry and plum entwined with cedar, cinnamon and cloves, unfolding spearmint, jerky and earthy minerals. The mouthfeel is dense with concentrated fruit and tightly bounded fine-grained tannins, leaving a drying finish and reflecting minerals and mealy nuances. Spices prolonged a structured and powerful finish. This densely constructed red blend shows power, complexity and a mealy, long, savoury finish. Match with braised short rib and tomahawk over the next 10 years. Only produced in exceptional years, fermented in stainless steel tanks to 14% alc, pressed off into French oak barriques, 50% new oak. Matured in oak for 2 years, best barrel selection. The final blend is approx 50% Merlot, 40% Malbec and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. 19+/20 pts (96 pts) Dec 2022 RRP $55."
95/100 and rated "Excellent" by Cameron Douglas MS (2016 vintage)
"Powerful bouquet, smoky, intense, a core of fruit with black currant then blackberry and plum, crushed clove, twigs and earth. There’s an abstract package of aromas too with a touch of soy and boot polish. On the palate, full-bodied and equally intense - smoky, almost charry with a treacle-like fruit & oak sweetness. Flavours of blackcurrant and blackberry at the core of the wine are contrasted by bold tannins and medium acidity extending the length and finish. A delicious meaty wine with muscle, power, flavour and finish. Love it!."
| Variety | Cabernet Merlot Blend |
|---|---|
| Region | Waipara |
| Closure | Cap |
| Volume | 750ml |
| Alcohol | 14.00% |
| Maturity | 2023 - 2033 |
This Wine Goes Well With
Taste
We deliver throughout New Zealand and to some locations overseas. Our deliveries are made by trusted third party carriers. For further details on prices and delivery options please go to DELIVERY INFORMATION section of our site.
If for any reason you are not entirely happy with your order or you suspect that they may be affected by a quality issue, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will remedy the problem straight away. Contact us on 0800 422 767.
