- 97
- 95
- 97
- 95
Coming Soon - 2021 Ata Rangi Pinot Noir
Only fruit, from the oldest parcels of vines at Ata Rangi makes it into this wine. The fabled Abel clone, allegedly smuggled from Burgundy in the mid-70s, makes up 40% of the blend. Incorporates 40% whole bunch fruit with maturation taking place in French oak (30% new) for a period of 11 months.
Deep dark red core with black toned edges and a dark red hue. Perfumed like aromas of violet, dark cherry, strawberry and plum captivate the olfactory senses with further sophistication drawn from some anise, vanillin cedar, forest floor and delicate spicy clove notes. Rich and concentrated yet structurally muscular in its feel, delicious dark cherry, strawberry and plum fruits are framed by graphite like tannins and agile acidity. Powerful yet somewhat understated at present, it’s supple on entry then tightens up towards the finish. Notions of anise, crushed rock, forest floor and spicy cedar lend further complexity. Concludes expansive yet tense and makes a long seductive exit.
Cellar 8-10 years plus.
Alc. 14%
Other Reviews…..
Lively and vibrant red fruits of wild strawberries and red cherries followed by rose hips, ground spices and a touch of citrus zest. Medium-bodied, finely grained velvety tannins with a delightful acid backbone. Zesty and layered wine with beautiful balance and complexity. It’s already enjoyable but will age gracefully.
97 points
JamesSuckling.com
The 2021 Pinot Noir definitely reflects the vintage. Its good color and abundance of gravelly tannins display the smaller berried, smaller vintage. Its bright fruit, intense concentration and plentiful acidity accompany primary red fruit flavor, with an impressive show of ample black tea leaf-like tannins. It's a wine for the long haul that draws out on the extended finish. To be released in 2024. Drink 2025-2039.
95-97 points
Rebecca Gibb – Vinous
The 2021 Pinot Noir is vibrant on the nose and totally precise and focused. The acid spools right from the front of the palate and has a mobile, agile way about it. The season may have had its challenges, but the wine is effortless, natural and shapely. It's great. The 40% whole bunch here sits well within the red fruit and creates a capacious mid-palate, without an impact of stalky flavor. Superb. A real pleasure to drink. 14% alcohol, sealed under screw cap. Drink 2023-2037.
95 points
Erin Larkin – Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate
This is impeccably composed and seductively expressed, showing dark cherry, clove, thyme and cedar characters on the nose with a gorgeous floral overtone. The concentrated palate is plush yet poised and refined with fleshy texture and perfectly pitched tannins. The wine exhibits stunning depth with layers of delectable flavours and meticulously structured mouthfeel, leading to a totally captivating, sensual finish.
99 points
Sam Kim – Wine Orbit