Ata Rangi Martinborough Pinot Noir 2018

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Ata Rangi
Martinborough Pinot Noir 2018

Vintage : 2018
Country : New Zealand
Region : Martinborough
Subregion
Type : Red
Style : Light Fruity Red
Format : 75cl
Alcohol : 13°
Grappes : 100% Pinot Noir

Experts		Score	Vintage
BC	Bob Campbell MW	96	2018
JS	James Suckling	96	2018
WE	Wine Enthusiast	96	2017
RP	Robert Parker	93	2017
DCT	Decanter	93	2016

More information on wine critics and ratings

Tasting Note (PDF)

Description
Producer
Video
Reviews
From the same producer

Dark cherry, dark chocolate, damson plum, and a heady potpourri of rose petal, vanilla and spice aromas lift from the glass, flow across the palate and on through to the long finish of this powerful Pinot Noir.

Tannins are plentiful and fine, creating the full, plush, fleshy texture. A warmer than average season has delivered excellent ripeness not only to the berries but also to grape stems and seeds, allowing to include around 10% whole and intact bunches in the ferments.

This technique chosen only in warm seasons allows a portion of ripe stem tannin to supplement the skin and seed tannins in bolstering a wine’s shape and structure.

Still young and firm, this brooding pinot will continue to open and develop into a more savoury expression going forward.

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) : 96 Points (2018)

Elegant, aromatic pinot noir with bright, high energy floral, violet, cherry, fresh herb, star anise and restrained spicy oak supported by fine tannins and juicy acidity. An attractively fragrant, supple wine that's a little lighter than usual but gives a nod in the direction of Burgundy and shows promising ageing potential. (8/2020)

James Suckling (JS) : 96 Points (2018)

Aromas of red cherries, cedar, dry brown spices, forest berries and wood, as well as rose-like perfume. It opens and aromatically enriches with some air. The palate has all the trademark layering of smooth tannins and a smoothly ripe ball of fresh red cherries. Assertive drive to the finish. (11/2021)

Wine Enthusiast (WE) : 96 Points (2017)

From extremely low-yielding, organic vines, this flagship Pinot, which sees 30% whole bunch and a native yeast fermentation, is beautifully expressive. Complex, harmonious and elegant, it ripples with pristine, brambly fruit, dried florals, spices, river stone minerality and a savory, meaty nuance. The palate is silky with crystalline acidity, laced with fine, chalky tannins. Still a baby, this needs a decanter to drink now but will age well through 2040. *Ranked #31 in Wine Enthusiast Top 100 of 2020* (CP) (7/2020)

Robert Parker (RP) : 93 Points (2017)

Cool, slightly minty stem notes accent bright cherry fruit in the 2017 Pinot Noir, most of which was picked before the rains, according to winemaker Helen Masters. It's crisp and medium-bodied, with silky tannins and a long, refreshing finish. It may be even longer-lived than I've suggested.

Decanter (DCT) : 93 Points (2016)

This is pure, scented and delicate on the mid-palate counterbalanced by its density. It's a pretty expression, with sweet up-front plum fruit and a fine line of acidity and sinew, drawing this wine out on the medium-long finish. The whole bunch component has risen from 20% to 35% since 2013. Drink 2020-2030. (12/2017)

Ata Rangi
Craighall Chardonnay 2017

Hand-picked fruit was whole bunch pressed in a Willmes membrane press. Unsettled juice was fully barrel-fermented in Burgundy barriques, of which 25% was new oak, using indigenous yeasts.…

43,90 €

Quantity :

Ata Rangi
Crimson Pinot Noir 2018

DCT

Pinot Noir made from younger parcels of vines from Ata Rangi's various vineyards on the Martinborough Terrace. Named after Project Crimson, a Charitable Conservation Trust focused on saving two red-flowering native trees, sponsored by Ata Rangi.

27,90 €

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Ata Rangi
Célèbre 2013

Aromas and flavours run the gamut from plum, blackberry and dark chocolate to hints of liquorice, star-anise and black olive. The wine is tight, yet succulent and juicy. The Merlot and…

39,00 €

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Ata Rangi
McCrone Vineyard Pinot Noir 2018

This wine is a bolder style than Ata Rangi's flagship Pinot Noir. The nose has rich, spicy aromas with a hint of manuka flower. On the palate, velvety tannins are supported by savoury flavours with a juicy and complex finish.

71,50 €

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