Ata Rangi Pinot Noir

What was once a stony sheep paddock back in the 80s (bought by a stash of cash from the sale of herd cows) has become one of Martinborough’s premier wine labels, up there with NZ’s best and has a glowing international reputation to boot.

Their Ata Rangi Pinot Noir is an absolute star, regularly one of Aotearoa’s finest and most sought after. We could waffle on all day and wax lyrical about what a class act this is, but when Master of Wine Bob Campbell has scored you 96-99 points (out of 100) for the last 12 vintages in a row, you know you’re on to a winner!

Reviewing this latest 2018 release Bob rated it 96/100 and a “Top Rank” award. Bob called it “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.”

If you need any more convincing that Ata Rangi sits at the big boys table when it comes to seriously classy Pinot then consider they’ve also made the Five Star list of the “Great NZ Pinot Noir Classification”, a rolling classification system based on the past five vintages. Only four other NZ Pinot producers currently have this status.

Buy some. Drink some. Cellar some (10-20 years). Just get some.