One of the iconic Pinot Noir producers of NZ - Ata Rangi. If you wish to explore NZ Pinot Noir, you must try this excellent Pinot from Martinborough.
Over the past 30 years of Ata Rangi Pinot Noir releases, the wine has developed a strong reputation for a particular savouriness of style which reflects the grapes, vineyard sites and climate. The 2016 year typifies this style – a complex set of aromas and flavours which ripple over each other: juniper, cranberry, manuka flower, sandalwood, a hint of gingerbread and classic sweet hay. On the palate, flavours spread from warm spice to Campari, with a savoury seam that hints at ramen broth. The entry is vibrant and compelling with a rush of tannin that sweeps the flavours right through the palate. While this release will reward from cellaring, it is also highly satisfying to drink now.
Only the oldest and most revered parcels of fruit are used in making this 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! No wonder, it is the most Burgundian-like NZ Pinot!