2017 Ata Rangi Pinot Noir

Semi translucent dark red colour with tinges of black to the edges and a bright light red hue. Intensely perfumed the nose offers up violet laced aromas of ripe cherry, red plum and strawberries followed by whiffs of anise, forest floor and spicy cedar. Quite compact but with good underlying power, the palate has a savoury flavour profile of spicy red to dark cherries, strawberries and subtle anise which are intermeshed with forest floor, some meaty elements and earthy cedar. Finishes very spicy with bright acidity which together with dryish, slightly chalky tannins contribute to a tense, structured mouthfeel. Long red to dark fruit conclusion with plenty of spice chiming in. Requires some patience.
Cellar 8-10 years.
Alc. 13%

Other Reviews….
It was a cooler, wetter year as I recall, or certainly it was the couple of weeks I spent in Wellington and Martinborough in January that year.
Straight off, I like this vintage. It’s kind of cool and minty, but with a rosy perfume, smoky brown spices, and something like sarsaparilla over a typical red cherry base. Tight, gently sappy, savoury and autumnal, with a distinct earthy/mineral feel, a persistent fine rasp of kitten’s tongue tannin, and a long sweet tangy orange and spice laced finish, firm stroke of tannin carrying it on. Well sophisticated. Yes. Drink 2021-2032+
95 points
Gary Walsh – The Wine Front