Pegasus Bay Aria Late Picked Riesling

Pegasus Bay Aria Late Picked Riesling is a luminous expression of North Canterbury’s artistry — luscious, vibrant, and impeccably poised. Crafted only in exceptional seasons when noble botrytis graces the Waipara Valley vines, this exquisite late-harvest Riesling offers a symphony of sweetness, energy, and depth that lingers long after each sip.

Tasting Notes & Experience

Golden in hue and intensely perfumed, the bouquet brims with peach, apricot, mandarin, and honeycomb, laced with honeysuckle, jasmine, and a whisper of ginger spice. The palate is luscious yet precise — a seamless interplay of ripe fruit richness, silken texture, and vibrant acidity. A touch of natural spritz adds brightness to the long, honeyed finish, leaving a refreshing citrus lift.

Key Details

• Winery: Pegasus Bay
• Varietal: Riesling
• Region: Waipara Valley, New Zealand
• Vintage: 2024
• Alcohol: 12%
• Volume: 750 ml
• Ideal Serve: 7–13 °C in small dessert-style glasses
• Other: Vegan-Friendly; Sustainable Winegrowing Practices

Craftsmanship & Story

Created by the Donaldson family — pioneers of Waipara Valley viticulture — Aria is the delicate, honeyed sibling to their celebrated Bel Canto Riesling. Made only in rare years, the grapes are hand-selected with up to 50% noble botrytis, gently pressed, and fermented at cool temperatures to retain aromatic purity. The result is an expressive, textural wine where richness meets vibrancy, embodying Pegasus Bay’s mastery of balance and natural beauty.

Special Features

Produced exclusively in vintages that favour noble rot development, this late-picked Riesling balances opulent sweetness with crystalline acidity. Extended hang-time and meticulous fruit selection capture both the decadence of botrytised fruit and the clarity of the Waipara Valley’s cool-climate terroir.

Recognition & Accolades

Widely acclaimed for its purity, harmony and longevity, Pegasus Bay Aria Late Picked Riesling is recognised as one of New Zealand’s finest dessert wines.

• 96/100 Points & 5 Stars – Sam Kim, Wine Orbit (2024 vintage)
• 19+/20 Points & 5 Stars – Candice Chow, Raymond Chan Reviews (2024 vintage)
• 94/100 Points (Rated Excellent) – Cameron Douglas MS (2024 vintage)
• 19/20 Points – Candice Chow, Raymond Chan Wine Reviews (2023 vintage)
• 96/100 Points – Erin Larkin, Robert Parker (2023 vintage)
• 92/100 Points – James Suckling (2023 vintage)
• 92/100 Points – Rebecca Gibb MW, Vinous (2023 vintage)
• 5 Stars – Michael Cooper’s Buyer’s Guide (2022 vintage)

These honours reaffirm Pegasus Bay’s position among New Zealand’s elite producers of world-class Riesling.

Food Pairings

Exquisite with rich blue cheeses or mature hard cheeses, where its sweetness contrasts perfectly with savoury depth. The vibrant acidity also tames the spice of Thai or Szechuan cuisine. For dessert, match with fruit tarts, crème brûlée, or warm apple galette — the wine’s honeyed notes entwine beautifully with caramelised and citrus-based flavours for an elegant finale.

Perfect for Gifting or Sipping

A luxurious choice for those who adore opulent, aromatic whites. Aria’s radiant balance of sweetness and freshness makes it equally perfect as a dinner-party centrepiece or a thoughtful indulgent gift.

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.