Ata Rangi Pinot Noir

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 winery's grapes, sites and climate. The 2018 year typifies this style with 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. 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. The 2018 season was very dry, the key difference from an average year, however, was timing. February temperatures soared well above the norm, in fact it was the hottest summer month since 1998. The resulting early seed ripening allowed picking at lower brix, and a cooler back end to the season provided good hang time for complete tannin ripeness.

Bob Campbell MS – 98 Points

Gary Walsh (Wine Front)  - 95 Points

Raymond Chan - 19.5/20 points

Cameron Douglas MS - 95 Points

Sam Kim (Wine Orbit) - 99 Points