For consecutive years, Raymond Chan has named a winery from the EUROVINTAGE portfolio as his Winery of the Year. After naming Neudorf as his 2012 champion, Chan has today announced Waipara icon, Pegasus Bay, as his Winery of the Year for 2013.

“It has been a joy to review the Pegasus Bay wines through the year, and every time a parcel of their wine arrives for assessment, I know that I will be in for a treat.” comments Chan.

He goes on to say that “..there has been no other winery submitting wines for review that has had the breadth and depth of success seen in the Pegasus Bay range this year. Here is the roll call of the 5-star wines: Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon 2011 (18.5+/20), ‘Bel Canto’Dry Riesling 2011 (18.5+/20), Riesling 2010 (18.5/20), ‘Virtuoso’ Chardonnay 2009 (19.0+/20), Pinot Noir 2010 (18.5/20), ‘Prima Donna’ Pinot Noir 2010 (19.0-/20), ‘Maestro’ Merlot/Malbec 2009 (18.5-/20) and ‘Encore’ Noble Riesling 2010 (19.5-/20). This is a stunning selection of great wine”

Established in 1985 by Ivan and Christine Donaldson, Pegasus Bay is an industry pioneer in the Waipara Valley. The Donaldsons have had a long standing interest in wine and food and are stalwarts of the Christchurch wine and food scene. Ivan has a distinguished reputation as a wine writer and wine judge. A family business, eldest son Matthew is the winemaker, celebrating his 21st vintage in 2013. Edward is the marketing manager and his wife Belinda manages the award-wining winery restaurant. Youngest son Paul is the general manager.

Pegasus Bay has 50 hectares of vineyards, the fruit going into the Pegasus Bay labels as well as the Main Divide brand, which also incorporates contracted fruit. The winery processes around 500 tonnes annually for both labels.

The full review is available at Raymond Chan Wine Reviews