Pegasus Bay 2019 Pinot Noir 750ml

The 2019 Pinot Noir is full-bodied yet seamless. It’s always been a big mouthful of Pinot, but in recent years, its slightly rustic muscularity has been toned and honed, creating a more refined expression. The naturally lower yields in 2019 – resulting from poor spring flowering – have imbued the wine with a rich core of fruit intensity. While 40% of the fermentation contained whole bunches, which can sometimes overpower the wine, it has worked well here, adding a layer of additional aromatic complexity in the form of subtle woody herbs and an attractive textural drive. The red cherry and strawberry fruits shine, while the French oak barrel maturation (40% new), which took place over more than a year, has added subtle nutmeg and cinnamon spice to the mix. Overall, this is a harmonious and well-judged Pinot Noir that is attractive now but has the concentration and structure to age gracefully over the coming decade and more.

Score: 93 points -- Rebecca Gibb, Vinous, 2022