Pegasus Bay Riesling Aged Release 2013

Decanter 94/100

A deeply golden colour leads onto a wonderfully serene nose that shows its evolution in an expression of chamomile tincture with a lifted, ethereal scent that will thrill Riesling lovers. Around all this is an edge of candle wax. The palate is super-smooth, brimming with Mirabelle plum compote and a mouthwatering element of noble bitterness, expressed as candied orange peel. Wonderfully balanced, rich, yet not tooth-breakingly sweet at all. A lovely feat of rich, bold, yet elegant balance. The finish spells orange zest all over again.

Country: New Zealand

Region: North Canterbury

ABV: 13.5%

Grapes: Riesling

Produced from low yields of optimally ripened, high quality, flavourful grapes: fully expressive of the free draining, low-fertility, glacially formed soils.
Extended “hang time” and picking the grapes where possible with a small proportion of noble botrytis results in a bouquet packed full of citrus, particularly orange zest that so defines North Canterbury Rieslings. Hints of stone-fruit, lychees, pineapple and tropical spices makes for a satisfyingly concentrated wine, which is off-set by a core of minerality and tangy acidity.