Pegasus Bay Prima Donna Pinot Noir

Pegasus Bay Prima Donna Pinot Noir is an icon of New Zealand winemaking — a deeply expressive, age-worthy red born from over 30 years of vine maturity in the Waipara Valley. Crafted by the Donaldson family, this wine unites depth, fragrance and grace in a truly remarkable expression of North Canterbury terroir.

Tasting Notes & Experience

Intense ruby in colour, the bouquet unfolds with aromas of pomegranate, preserved red fruits, smoky bacon, cedar and autumn leaves. The palate is rich and layered, delivering seamless depth with polished tannins and lively acidity. Notes of savoury spice, redcurrant and earth linger through a long, poised finish — elegant, structured and endlessly captivating.

Key Details

• Winery: Pegasus Bay
• Grape: Pinot Noir
• Region: Waipara Valley, North Canterbury, New Zealand
• Vintage: 2020
• ABV: 13%
• Volume: 750 ml
• Other: Sustainable Winemaking; Estate Grown Vines

Craftsmanship & Story

Founded by the Donaldson family — pioneers of Canterbury winegrowing — Pegasus Bay stands among New Zealand’s most esteemed estates. The Prima Donna Pinot Noir is produced only in exceptional vintages from the oldest estate vines, dry-farmed on free-draining terraces beneath the Teviotdale Range. Family-run and passionately independent, Pegasus Bay’s philosophy of minimal intervention allows each wine to reveal the land’s natural character and texture.

Special Features

Prima Donna represents the pinnacle of Pegasus Bay’s craft: low-yielding vines, hand-harvested fruit and extended barrel ageing create a wine of harmony and longevity. The combination of warm days and cool Waipara nights extends ripening, preserving acidity and aromatic complexity. Each bottle encapsulates decades of family devotion to sustainable viticulture and artisanal winemaking.

Recognition & Accolades

Regarded as one of New Zealand’s finest Pinot Noirs, Prima Donna consistently achieves international acclaim:

• 5 Stars & 98/100 Points – Sam Kim, Wine Orbit (2020 vintage)
• 96/100 Points – James Suckling (2020 vintage)
• 5 Stars & 95/100 Points – Stephen Wong MW, The Real Review (2020 vintage)
• 95/100 Points & Outstanding – Cameron Douglas MS (2020 vintage)
• 5 Stars – Michael Cooper (2020 vintage)
• 97/100 Points & 5 Stars – Sam Kim, Wine Orbit (2017 vintage)
• 96/100 Points & 5 Stars – Bob Campbell MW (2017 vintage)
• 96/100 Points – Nick Stock (2016 vintage)

These accolades confirm Pegasus Bay’s Prima Donna as a benchmark Pinot Noir of New Zealand — opulent, structured and endlessly rewarding with age.

Food Pairing

The perfect Pinot Noir for refined dining — pair with slow-roasted duck, herb-crusted lamb or venison tenderloin. Its savoury depth complements wild mushrooms, truffle risotto and root-vegetable dishes, while the wine’s silky tannins and earthy spice elevate dishes like beetroot tart or chargrilled salmon. A superb match for aged Gruyère or Brie de Meaux.

Perfect for Gifting or Sipping

Prima Donna embodies elegance and legacy — a fitting gift for true Pinot Noir connoisseurs. Ideal for anniversaries, fine-dining moments or cellaring, this bottle reflects the artistry and family passion behind every Pegasus Bay vintage.

Fast, Secure NZ-Wide Delivery

Order online for fast NZ delivery. Lovingly packed with a selection of stylish packaging and a personal message option to complete the perfect gift.