2021 Pegasus Bay Merlot Cabernet – A densely structured Bordeaux blend from New Zealand, combining power and finesse

Pegasus Bay’s 2021 Merlot Cabernet pays homage to the classic Claret style—vinified with Burgundian precision and sourced from an excellent vintage in the Waipara Valley. The vines are over 30 years old and grow on the rugged Glasnevin Gravels, a terroir of gravel, silt, and clay that offers perfect conditions for concentrated, structured red wines. Warm days and cool nights result in a slow ripening process that achieves a perfect balance of density and freshness.

The grapes were hand-harvested in several passes between April 9 and 23, 2021. The winemaking process followed traditional methods: spontaneous fermentation in stainless steel tanks, gentle pumping over, aging in French oak (20% new) for 18 months, and subsequent blending of the best lots. The result: a dense, robust Bordeaux blend with character, depth, and elegance.

What makes Pegasus Bay’s Merlot Cabernet so special?

This Claret-style red wine from Waipara is produced only in particularly successful vintages. The combination of vines over 30 years old, spontaneous fermentation, and traditional winemaking techniques results in a wine with depth, elegance, and character. The high proportion of Merlot (complemented by Cabernet Sauvignon and a touch of Cabernet Franc) gives it a velvety richness, while the cool climate provides freshness and structure. A red wine of international caliber—made in New Zealand.

So, how does the 2021 Pegasus Bay Merlot Cabernet taste?

In the glass, the wine appears deep, dark, and impenetrable. The nose reveals aromas of smoke, leather, dried game, tobacco, and spiced plums—along with grilled blackberries, herbs, and a subtle mineral note. On the palate, the wine is powerful, structured, yet precise. The tannins are firm but ripe, and the acidity is lively and well-integrated. The finish is long, dark, and spicy, showcasing the great aging potential of this cool-climate red wine from New Zealand.