So much that happens in the world of wine is a preview and the following top drops are no exception, even if they are labelled Aged Release. These wines will officially be available to purchase in May this year and they have been ageing in a controlled environment at the winery for the past decade, which brings new meaning to the old adage that good things take time. 

Welcome to the Pegasus Bay Aged Release range. The winery's founders, the Donaldson family, first started its Aged Release range in 2016 so these wines, all from 2015, mark the 10th vintage. They are all available direct from the winery as well as from specialist wine stores and restaurants who see a niche for them. 

The real aim of holding back a small volume of great wines at Pegasus Bay each year (in order to re-release them as Aged Releases a decade later) is to give all wine drinkers a glimpse into the world of what well aged wine actually tastes like.

High quality old wine doesn't have to be an elusive commodity, something that only the wine elite gets to enjoy. The availability of these Aged Release wines democratises the taste of great wine, making it accessible to a wide audience. And we all need a little more democracy in our lives. 

Three new Aged Releases from Pegasus Bay

19/20
2015 Pegasus Bay Riesling RRP $45

The 2015 Riesling from Pegasus Bay has a slightly lower residual sugar with 25 grams per litre and although this may sound high, it is beautifully balanced by the cool crisp acidity and touch of spritz that accentuates the bright freshness in every sip. As always, this Riesling is all about layers of flavour, which are starting to unfold here with passionfruit, peach, limes and honey held together by a great framework of zesty citrus. Great now and will continue to evolve for at least another five years. 

19/20
2015 Pegasus Bay Pinot Noir RRP $70

Begs to be decanted. Those were my first notes on this exceptional 10 year old Pinot Noir from North Canterbury. Great layers of dark fruited concentration and firm smooth tannins bring an immediate depth and definitively dry taste to this well structured, full bodied wine. It rewards being decanted and served after it has been open for two to three hours - or more. Which shows that there is still significant age worthiness in this wine; if you buy it or have some already, keep it for longer and watch it unfold more secondary layers of flavour. The wine was aged for 18 months in barriques before being bottled in 2016 and aged at the winery since then. 

18/20
2015 Pegasus Bay Prima Donna Pinot Noir RRP $130

Prima Donna is a blend of barrels of Pinot Noir made at Pegasus Bay and typically represents the most complex components that would otherwise find their way into the estate Pinot Noir (above). The resulting blend was aged for 18 months in barrique, which brings roundness to the wine. It's more savoury and more developed in taste than its sibling Pinot Noir, above, and this wine will be nearing its peak over the next four to five years, depending on your taste preferences. It drinks well now and is particularly good with slow roasted duck. 

A newcomer

17.5/20
2021 Pegasus Bay Cabernet Franc RRP $38

Cabernet Franc is the next big thing for lovers of Cabernet but it has always been planted at Pegasus Bay, where the family and winemaking team are now making this single varietal version, with stunning results. Velvety smooth, deep, full bodied and layered with flavours of ripe dark cherry, blackberries and blackcurrant leaf aromas bringing complexity.