96 Points - Robert Parker The Wine Advocate

5 Stars - Michael Cooper (2022 vintage)
"Estate-grown at Waipara, the finely poised 2022 vintage is packaged in a full-sized (750-ml) bottle. A lovely mouthful, it was harvested at a very ripe 28 brix, with 30-50 per cent botrytis infection. Bright lemon/green, it has an invitingly scented, gently honeyed bouquet. A wine of strong presence, it is medium-bodied and concentrated, with peachy, citrusy flavours, a hint of passionfruit, and a crisp, sweet (107 grams/litre of residual sugar), lasting finish." Michael Cooper

5 Stars & 18.5+/20  Candice Chow, Raymond Chan Wine Reviews (2022 vintage)
"Bright, pale yellow with a light gold hue, even colour throughout. This has an intriguing, complex bouquet packed with aromas of flint, citrus, rich floral, honey and a suggestion of apricot. Full-bodied, aromas of lime sorbet entwined with preserved lemon, apricot in syrup, honey, honeysuckle and flint. The flavours are fresh, youthful, and dancing on the palate, reflecting invigorating acidity balancing with sweetness, which contributes to the breadth of depth of the mouthfeel and carries an appetising, moreish finish. This late-harvest Aria is vibrant and well-balanced. Match with chicken liver parfait and crispy pork belly over the next 10+ years. Only made in exceptional years, hand selected with 30-50% botrytised grapes, fermented cool to 11% alc, 107 g/l RS." Candice Chow

The Donaldson Family have been seriously involved in viticulture and winemaking for over 40 years. Founder Ivan Donaldson planted the first Canterbury vineyard in 1976 and went on to establish Pegasus Bay in 1986 with his wife Christine. It is a true family business, with all four of their sons now involved.

The grapes were picked in mid-May to select bunches with between 30-50% botrytis. The grapes were then gently pressed and the juice fermented slowly at cool temperatures to help the wine retain its vibrant fruit characters and varietal purity. At all stages, from fermentation to bottling, it was handled very carefully to help retain a little of its natural carbon dioxide. This has resulted in a small amount of spritzig, which adds extra liveliness to the wine and accentuates its freshness.

Upon release the colour is bright lemon. The bouquet is a tantalising patchwork of apricot, marmalade, honey and orange zest, interwoven with fl oral notes and a lick of ginger. The botrytis has added concentration and richness, yet there is a refreshing zestiness backed with bright acidity that teases the palate, ensuring the wine remains lively and well balanced, with a prolonged finish.