Ata Rangi Crimson Pinot Noir 2022

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Ata Rangi
Crimson Pinot Noir 2022

Vintage : 2022
Country : New Zealand
Region : Martinborough
Subregion :
Type : Red
Style : Light Fruity Red
Format : 75cl
Alcohol : 13,5°
Grappes : 100% Pinot Noir

Ata Rangi Crimson Pinot Noir offers an elegant and charming profile, with vibrant red fruit flavors and aromatic complexity. Its smooth texture and well-integrated tannins make it an alluring expression of youthful Martinborough Pinot Noir.

Experts		Score	Vintage
BC	Bob Campbell MW	94	2018
JS	James Suckling	93	2018
RP	Robert Parker	91	2018
WE	Wine Enthusiast	91	2018
DCT	Decanter	91	2018
BH	Burghound	90	2018

More information on wine critics and ratings

Tasting Note (PDF)

Description
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Region and Vineyards

Ata Rangi is located in Martinborough, a wine region renowned for producing some of New Zealand's finest Pinot Noir. This southernmost tip of the North Island enjoys a cool climate, with a long growing season that allows the grapes to develop intense flavor and aroma profiles. The Martinborough Terrace is famed for its free-draining alluvial soils, which contribute to the concentrated flavors and complexity of the wines.

The Ata Rangi vineyards benefit from an optimal combination of cool breezes, which help retain acidity in the grapes, and ample sunshine, which ensures full ripeness. The Crimson Pinot Noir is crafted from a selection of younger vines, ranging from 5 to 25 years old, adding vibrancy and a dynamic fruit character to the wine, while the older vines contribute a more profound, savory complexity.

Winemaking

This vintage of Crimson Pinot Noir reflects a blend of traditional and modern winemaking techniques. The grapes were hand-harvested, with 90% of the fruit being de-stemmed and 10% undergoing whole bunch fermentation, lending the wine a fine, structured texture. Fermentation was initiated using indigenous yeasts, ensuring a natural expression of the vineyard's terroir. The wine was then aged for 12 months in French oak barrels, contributing subtle oak nuances and depth.

The meticulous winemaking process allows the fruit purity to shine through, while maintaining elegance and balance, ensuring the wine remains approachable yet complex.

Tasting Notes

Color: Mid ruby with an almost transparent hue, reflecting its youthful vibrancy.
Aroma: A bright and enticing bouquet of rosehip and pomegranate, layered with spice notes of cardamom and ginger. Hints of manuka smoke and prosciutto provide a savory complexity.
Palate: On the palate, the wine opens with fresh flavors of raspberry compote, rhubarb, and orange zest. The smooth, supple entry is supported by fine tannins, while the wine's lively acidity ensures a long, refreshing finish.

Did you know?

The Ata Rangi Crimson Pinot Noir was named in support of Project Crimson, a charitable initiative aimed at replanting and preserving New Zealand's native pōhutukawa and rātā trees. Founder Clive Paton has personally planted more than 75,000 trees as part of this effort, symbolizing the winery's deep connection to conservation and the land.

Wine Pairing Ideas

Duck breast with cherry sauce: The wine's red fruit flavors and fine tannins perfectly complement the rich, gamey flavors of duck.
Grilled salmon: The fresh acidity and supple texture balance the fatty richness of salmon, enhancing the dish's flavors.
Mushroom risotto: The savory notes of manuka smoke and prosciutto pair well with the earthy umami of mushroom-based dishes.
Roasted pork tenderloin with herbs: The smooth tannins and subtle spice elements of the wine enhance the flavors of roasted pork, providing a harmonious pairing.

Ata Rangi is owned and run by Clive Paton and his wife Phyll, together with Clive’s sister Alison and winemaker Helen Masters. Clive planted the bare, stony home paddock at the edge of Martinborough in 1980 and, in doing so, was one of a handful of people who pioneered grape growing in the area. Ata Rangi’s first vineyard covered less than five hectares of thin, well-drained alluvial soil.

They are now according to UK winewriter Tim Atkin, "widely regarded as New Zealand’s top Pinot Noir producer".

Ata Rangi was recently given the title of "Tipuranga Teitei o Aotearoa" which translates from Maori as “Great Growth of New Zealand” or "Grand Cru" at the International Pinot Noir 2010 Conference. In presenting this inaugural award, Alastair Maling, MW and Chairman of Pinot Noir 2010, said: “The Tipuranga Teitei o Aotearoa award recognizes those who have taken time and shown skill and commitment in evolving and developing New Zealand Pinot Noir.

Ata Rangi is widely considered to be a "Premier Producer of Pinot Noir"; the top echelon and an inspiration to the rest of the industry. This award is a uniquely New Zealand one, combining terroir with winemaking philosophy and consistent quality. It can only be achieved with vine age, proven wine quality, authenticity and undoubted global recognition.

Bob Campbell MW (BC) : 94 Points (2018)

Aromatic pinot noir with an appealing mix of cherry, plum, mint, dried herbs, and spicy and stemmy flavours. A supple, attractive wine that's perhaps not as concentrated as its distinguished stable mate, but represents excellent value at this price. A wine of character and class. (9/2019)

James Suckling (JS) : 93 Points (2018)

There’s so much to this wine. It is a pinot that really speaks of quality tannin, fresh and quite concentrated fruit flavors and a layered, succulent, fleshy and rich, dark-cherry finish. One of the best value wines on the planet, hands down! Drink now. Screw cap. (8/2019)

Robert Parker (RP) : 91 Points (2018)

The 2018 Crimson Pinot Noir is a blend of fruit from vines up to about 20 years of age. Originally, it was a fruit-forward, young-vines cuvée, but this vintage is cut from sturdier cloth, showing some serious tannins on the finish. It's pretty and perfumed up front, with scents of roses and berry tea, adding raspberries and cherries on the medium-bodied, structured palate. Give it another year or two in the cellar, then drink it over the next 7-8 years.

Wine Enthusiast (WE) : 91 Points (2018)

Like the name itself, this wine is vibrant crimson in color. There's a slight reductive funk on the nose, but this blows off quickly in the glass, replaced by bright red fruit, crushed violet, and minerals, all backed by something more savory and stalky, like soy sauce and cinnamon stick. In the mouth it's light and lithe, crunching with fresh fruit and saline notes through to the finish, and wound tightly by powdery tannins. Simultaneously serious yet approachable. (CP) (9/2020)

Decanter (DCT) : 91 Points (2018)

It’s tempting to recommend the superb Ata Rangi Pinot Noir, or the now dormant Craighall Chardonnay (the virused block is being replanted); even the Te Wa Sauvignon Blanc is impressive for the category. But this more affordable Pinot is a real showcase for both this organic winery and Wairarapa as a whole, boasting a glorious aroma of pomegranate and rose, rounded off with lovely cherry fruit on a supple palate. (OS) (9/2020)

Burghound (BH) : 90 Points (2018)

A discreetly floral-suffused nose is also very pretty and features slightly higher-toned aromas of red cherry, raspberry and currant. The very supple and delicious if again not especially concentrated flavors possess a beautiful texture; indeed it is succulent, all wrapped in a slightly firmer, compact and youthfully austere finish that offers a bit better depth and persistence. (10/2020)

Ata Rangi
Martinborough Pinot Noir 2020

This wine is a blend of the best fruit from Ata Rangi’s oldest Pinot Noir plantings, resulting in a highly perfumed, structured, and poised wine that reflects the estate's reputation for crafting exceptional Pinot Noir.

77,40 €

Ata Rangi
McCrone Vineyard Pinot Noir 2020

For drinkers seeking New Zealand Pinot Noir with precision and personality, this wine delivers perfume, texture and depth in equal measure, expressing Ata Rangi's polished house style through the distinct voice of McCrone.

88,20 €