Vergence by Pegasus Bay

The Vergence brand represents an opportunity for the Donaldson family, renowned for producing fine North Canterbury wines using traditional methods, to venture into a new and experimental phase without confusing their loyal followers of their reserve and estate wines.

This is new-wave winemaking, emphasizing fun and creativity in the winery. Produced using a blend of vintages, these wines are non-vintage, and releases are referred to by 'mark' (1, 2, etc.), representing the blending process. Parcels of fruit are developed and vinified separately, blended only when ready: a true expression of the winemaker's style and creativity.

We've assembled a 6-pack of the current release because one bottle of each just isn't enough; you'll want to share this with your friends!

Mark 3 Red 

Mark 3 continues to push the boundaries of conventional winemaking. After multiple trials, the surprise package came from a blend comprising predominantly of Central Otago whole bunch Pinot Noir from both 2022 & 2023 vintages, along with a small portion of 2022 Malbec (approximately 5%), handpicked from our home vineyard. Both varieties were naturally fermented in tank before being transferred to French oak barriques, where the Pinot was matured for approximately 12months and the Malbec 18 months, prior to blending and bottling.

The wine has a profound garnet tint. Its bouquet is soft and ethereal, with snippets of cinnamon, vanilla and lavender intertwined with hints of cherry, bramble, and faint earthy, mineral notes. The mouthfeel is plush yet focussed, with smooth, silky tannins on a velvety palate interplaying seamlessly with a slice of frisky acidity. Finely textured and persistent, the finish is lengthy and rewarding. Our Mk3 Vergence Red displays elegance combined with depth and precision, perfect for those who enjoy their Pinot’s at the fuller and more structured end of the spectrum.

Mark 3 White

Vergence White is a non-traditional blend of several varieties in which we aim to make the most interesting and harmonious wine possible. Like MK2, this is a multi-vintage wine. As the varieties reach optimal drinking at different times, this allows us to get the very best from each of the components that we are working with. The core of our Vergence White MK3 is once again ultra-ripe Semillon (approx. 60%) from Pegasus Bay’s 35 year-old vines, aged in old oak puncheons for an average of 18 months. The remainder comprises a mix of whole bunch fermented Sauvignon Blanc (approx. 19%), Gewürztraminer (approx. 15%), Muscat (approx. 4%) and a very small portion of Riesling (approx. 2%). Different fermentation and maturation techniques have been utilised to add balance and complexity, including skin contact and lees aging for some varieties.

The wine has a pale lemon hue upon release. A feast of floral and exotic aromas march temptingly from the glass, delighting the senses. Suggestions of frangipani, lychee and potpourri nestled playfully on a bed of spiced pear, vanilla, and ginger root, all wrapped in a flinty, mineral quilt. The palate is rich and textured, supported by ripe fruit and invigorating acidity, building the framework for a prolonged and zesty finish.