Ata Rangi Pinot Noir 2019

Accolades:
98/100 – James Suckling
98/100 – Bob Campbell MW

“A complex wine from the outset with gently reductive notes and modern oak spice threading into fresh cherry, spiced bread, rose, forest wood and blood orange, as well as darker cherry notes. The palate tells the full story. This displays real power and definition with clear-cut and powerful tannins. The intensity of the red-cherry fruit is impressive and the way it occupies the finish with length and uplift is the thing that defines great pinot noir per se. Strong vintage. Drink over the next decade.” – James Suckling

“Elegant, seamless pinot noir with fragrant, floral, red rose, dark cherry, anise, spice and restrained savoury and fresh herb characters. It’s a complex medley of appealing flavours supported by an ethereal texture and a lingering finish. A surprisingly accessible wine from an excellent vintage. Should develop well with bottle age.” – Bob Campbell MW

Tasting Note: A full fragrant nose of sun-baked raspberry, red rose, anise and dark cherry meld with delicate savoury notes of dried porcini and fresh herbs. The palate is a balance of power and freshness, with flavours of fresh red cherry carrying through to the finish. Complex yet ethereal, this vintage encapsulates our vision of Martinborough Pinot Noir. Only fruit, from the oldest parcels of vines makes up our premium Pinot Noir. The fabled Abel clone, allegedly smuggled from Burgundy in the mid-70s, makes up 40% of the blend. The result is a complex, structured wine, beautifully perfumed in the classic Ata Rangi style.

Vintage Notes: Good rainfall up to Christmas set the vineyards up well for what was a very dry Summer. Overall, the season was slightly warmer than average, but the cooler finish to the season meant vibrant acidity was retained, while tannins ripened fully. Smaller bunches and yields resulted in concentration and complexity, which will allow this 2019 to age beautifully.

Alcohol: 13.5%

Variety: Pinot Noir

Region: Martinborough, New Zealand