ATA RANGI

Only the oldest parcels of fruit are used in this, 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 very complex, structured wine, beautifully perfumed in the classic Ata Rangi style. Exotic spice of star anise and sandalwood layer with dark cherry and rose petal on the nose. As is a hallmark of our Pinot, a savoury herbal note reminiscent of oregano offsets more overt fruit characters. The palate is bright, fluid and focused. Fine tannins build through the mid palate carrying the wine to a long elegant finish. Autumn of the 2015 season was stunning, with March bringing cool nights and fine bright days; a welcome respite from the winds of late January which had tested the mettle of the vineyard team applying the large overhead bird nets. The seeds of the Pinot were brown and nutty in mid-February, signaling that physiological ripeness was well ahead of sugar accumulation, a winemaker’s enduring aspiration. The result is a fitting Pinot Noir to mark our 35th year on the land here in Martinborough.Winemaker's notes (Aug 2018)

Juicy, round, lively and fleshy. Hint of milkiness on the nose. Firm underneath. Very exciting. Drinking range: 2019 - 2030 Rating: 17 Jancis Robinson OBE MW - www.JancisRobinson.com (Mar 2017)