PEGASUS BAY SAUVIGNON BLANC 2024

Every now and then we come across a wine that stops us in our tracks. This new release Pegasus Bay Sauvignon Blanc (A new wine separate to the much-loved Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon) had us all mesmerised as we took in this compelling wine, pondering the multitude of evolving flavours in front of us.

Obviously Sauvignon Blanc, but with added layers of intrigue coming from the winemaking techniques used. A selection of the fruit was fermented using whole bunch, and then matured on skins for 200 days, to give added complexity. A small portion of barrel aged Semillon has also been included in the finished wine, for extra richness and texture. Both varieties were aged on their yeast lees (sur lie) for approximately 10 months, prior to blending.

This a journey into the world of complex and serious Sauvignon Blanc akin to the great white wines of Bordeaux. It's a wine to sit with, get to know over the course of a meal/evening and enjoy as it evolves over time.

Winery notes (2024 Vintage)
"Straw yellow in colour with greenish reflections. On the delightfully fragranced nose, there are impressions of gooseberry, guava, capsicum and snow pea, melded with savoury undertones of wet stone, fennel and fresh hay. The mouthfeel is wonderfully weighted with defined breadth, while offering superb focus and drive. Splendidly structured by vibrant acidity and ripe phenolics, it canters across the palate, leading to an animated and memorable dismount.

The grapes were picked in separate batches during the end of March and early April, the aim being to produce a spectrum of ripe yet zesty aromas and flavours in the f inished wine. After gentle pressing, the free run juice was fermented in stainless steel tanks at a cool temperature, to help the wine express its varietal purity. A selection of the fruit was fermented using whole bunches, and then matured on skins for approximately 200 days, to give added complexity. A small portion of barrel aged Semillon has also been included in the finished wine, for extra richness and texture. Both varieties were aged on their natural deposits of yeast lees (sur lie) for approximately 10 months, prior to blending."

5 Stars & 94/100 Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, March 2025 (2024 Vintage)
"It's fabulously lifted on the nose, showing aromas of grapefruit, apricot, garden herbs, and lemon zest, with a hint of savoury nuance. The wonderfully weighted palate displays excellent focus and drive, beautifully supported by vibrant acidity, finishing long and flavoursome. At its best: now to 2032."

90/100 Cameron Douglas MS, March 2025 (2024 Vintage)
"Vibrant, fruity, fleshy and varietal with a distinctive bouquet of basil and sage surrounded by scents of apple, lemon and tropical fruits. There’s a lees and mineral quality also. Crisp, dry, herbaceous and fruity with flavours that mirror the bouquet framed by an intense acid line and phenolic textured finish. A wine style taking SB in a different direction and something quite different from the Pegasus Bay portfolio. Best drinking alongside fresh and crunchy foods."

Reviews for the 2024 vintage below…

5 Stars & 18.5+/20 (94) Candice Chow, Raymond Chan Reviews, September 2024 (2023 Vintage)
"Bright, even, pale yellow. The nose is full and enticing, with aromas of struck-match overlying melon, peach, apple, fennel and stony minerals. Full-bodied, aromas of apple and lime melded with peach and melon, along with fennel, cardamom, flint and river stone. The fluid mouthfeel flows effortlessly along an oily line, and the slight apple skin-like phenolics provide a chewy grip and elevate richness. Enlivening acidity drives a lengthy, mealy finish. This whole bunch fermented Sauvignon Blanc is harmonious, complex and packed with interest."