Style Profile at a Glance
| Attribute | Profile | Scale |
|---|---|---|
| Body | Medium-Bodied, Crisp & Elegant | ●●●●● |
| Tannins | Fine-Grained, Polished & Woven | ●●●●● |
| Sweetness | Bone-Dry | ●●●●● |
| Acidity | Fresh, Crisp & Energetic | ●●●●● |
| Fruit | White Strawberry, Cherry & Pomegranate | ●●●●● |
| Oak | Complex & Savory (Aged in French Oak) | ●●●●● |
Terroir, History & Acclaim
Critical Recognition:
James Suckling
[94] pts
Wine Advocate
[94+] pts
- 94 Points - James Suckling: "A tight and focused Ata Rangi with sliced strawberries and hints of white pepper and minerals. It's medium-bodied, crisp and fresh, with light wet earth and fresh mushroom undertones to the fruit. This has verve. Drink or hold."
- 94+ Points - Wine Advocate (Erin Larkin): "The 2022 Pinot Noir is lighter than the 2020 and softer than the 2021. In 2022, the decision was made not to release any single-vineyard wines 'because they didn't express the character that we were hoping for in that vintage,' says Winemaker Helen Masters. On the nose, there's white strawberry, cherry, pomegranate pearls and even a hint of raspberry leaf. In the mouth, the wine is pink peppercorn, open and yet compact, open-weave without being loose. There's clarity. It's lovely."
- The 2022 Estate Advantage: In 2022, the Ata Rangi winemaking team made the critical decision to forgo releasing their elite single-vineyard bottlings. Consequently, the absolute best fruit from those prestigious parcels was blended directly into this estate Pinot Noir, resulting in a wine of exceptional pedigree and clarity.
- Artisan Viticulture: Cultivated on the deep, free-draining alluvial gravels of the Martinborough Terrace, the vines are dry-farmed organically. Winemaker Helen Masters captures the vibrant 2022 vintage by managing the extraction gently, delivering a wine that is noticeably softer and lighter than the 2021, yet perfectly cohesive and brilliantly aromatic.
Highlights
- 100% Pinot Noir, featuring the estate's oldest plantings on the Martinborough Terrace, including top-tier fruit usually reserved for single-vineyard cuvées.
- Farmed with certified organic practices, reflecting Ata Rangi's pioneering commitment to sustainability and terroir expression.
- Aged in fine French oak, balancing the vibrant, red-fruited 2022 profile with beautifully integrated baking spices and savory tension.
Tasting Notes
- Appearance: Bright, translucent ruby core with pale pink reflections.
- Nose: Highly fragrant and incredibly detailed. It opens with lifted aromas of white strawberry, cherry, and pomegranate, intricately woven with nuances of clove, cardamom, pink peppercorn, and a hint of wet earth.
- Palate: Bone-dry, medium-bodied, and remarkably crisp. The palate offers a beautiful, open-weave texture that remains perfectly compact and focused. Vibrant, energetic acidity and fine-grained tannins carry the pristine red fruit through a long, savory, and exceptionally clear finish.
Serving Suggestion
- Temperature: Serve slightly cool at 15–16°C. Allowing the wine to remain slightly cool keeps the precise red fruit in focus and highlights the intricate spice notes.
- Decanting: A brief 30-minute decant will help the complex floral aromatics fully open. It is approachable now due to its softer profile, but structured to age beautifully.
- Western Pairing: Pan-seared duck breast with cherry reduction, herb-crusted pork tenderloin, or a wild mushroom tart.
- Asian Pairing: Peking Duck (北京烤鴨), soy-braised chicken, or mildly spiced stir-fried pork.
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