Pegasus Bay Merlot Cabernet 2020

Category:
 
Red Wines
Sub-Category:  
 
Red Wines
Producer:
 
Pegasus Bay
Label Name:
 
Merlot Cabernet
Vintage:
 
2020
Country:
 
New Zealand
Region:
 
Waipara Valley, North Canterbury
Volume:
 
750ml
ABV:
 
13%
Grape(s):
 
Merlot (≈80%), Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc
Acidity:
 
4
Tannins:
 
4
Sweetness:
 
1
Body:
 
4
Length:
 
4
Aroma Intensity:
 
4
Best Temperature:
 
16-18°C

Awards/Ratings
Widely acclaimed (many professional scores c. 94/100). James Suckling 94; Sam Kim 94; Cameron Douglas MS 94; Bob Campbell MW 94; Michael Cooper 94; Joelle Thomson 18. 5/20. Highly age-worthy

Tasting Note
Deep crimson; concentrated dark cherry, plum and bramble with roasted red pepper, anise, tobacco leaf, leather and mint. Plush mid-palate, confident tannins, bright acidity and a long, spice-laced finish.

Food Pairing
Western: roast lamb, braised short ribs, beef ribeye, mushroom ragout. Asian: Korean BBQ (bulgogi/galbi), Cantonese roast duck, char siu, soy‑glazed braised pork belly, rich mushroom stir-fries.

Production Method
Native yeast fermentation in stainless tanks with regular pump-overs; gently pressed to French oak barriques (≈15% new); natural malo‑lactic fermentation; matured ~18 months and carefully blended.

Vineyard Info
Family-owned Pegasus Bay, established by Ivan and Christine Donaldson in 1986. Estate vineyards on free‑draining Glasnevin Gravels in Waipara yield low-vigour, concentrated fruit; renowned for age-worthy Bordeaux-style blends.