Pegasus Bay Aria Riesling 2023

A reserve wine, only made in exceptional years that are favourable for the development of noble botrytis, this wine undergoes a period of extended "hang time" and uses a portion of between 30-50% botrytis.

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Tasting Notes

Pegasus Bay Aria Riesling 2023

"The 2023 Aria Late Picked Riesling is floral and exotic on the nose, with loquat and white pepper, botrytis and almond kernel, rose petals, a hint of lychee and apple blossom. It's so, so pretty, so complex and very long through the finish. A superb wine. This is a wine to age, although many will drink it early. And you can. But you shouldn't." 96 Points, Erin Larkin, www.robertparker.com

"Bright, even, pale yellow gold. The nose is fresh, with aromas of stonefruit, citrus, honey and floral. Full-bodied, aromas of peach and apricot entwined with kumquat, mandarin and lychee, unfolding citrus blossom, jasmine and honey. Ripe phenolics lightly texture the mouthfeel, unveiling citrus peels and jasmine tea fragrance. The balanced sweetness provides broadness and opulence to the palate, counter-plays lively acidity and persists an amiable, lengthy finish. This late-picked Riesling is packed with succulent fruit and floral details, built on layers and length…." 19/20, Candice Chow, Raymond Chan Wine Reviews

"The 2023 Riesling Aria Late Picked is a sweet, fragrant Riesling but it's not opulent or luscious, keeping a lid on its residual sugar and counterbalancing it with a bright line of citrusy acidity. It is a juicy style that offers up orange peel and spice as well as a green fennel note. A gentle spritz and mouthwatering refreshment imbue the wine with a lovely, lively character. While it is not a full-blown sweet dessert style, it would be delicious with pâtés and lightly spiced dishes." 92 Points, Rebecca Gibb MW, Vinous

"A dense and sweet riesling with plenty of flint, clove, sweet apple and melon flavours. It’s medium-bodied with a dense palate and flavourful finish." 92 Points, James Suckling, James Suckling Wine Reviews

Pegasus Bay is a family-owned and run business within the Waipara Valley, led by patriarch and Neuroscientist Ivan Donaldson. Free draining and low fertility soils produce low yields of high quality, flavourful grapes, which fully express the qualities of Pegasus Bay’s unique setting. The range of wines is led by diverse and ageworthy styles of Pinot Noir and Riesling, with highly expressive Semillon, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer and Malbec Cabernet Sauvignon blends complementing the portfolio.

Producer website: https://www.pegasusbay.com/

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