Ata Rangi Martinborough Pinot Noir 2019

Ata Rangi Winery, founded in 1980 by local gentleman names Clive Paton. The winery alongside with Dry River, Chifeney’s and Martinborough Winery were the pioneers in Wairarapa wine region. The name comes from Te Reo, largely means “new dawn”. Ata Rangi is famously known to be responsible of spreading “Abel Clone” around NZ, which are some vines that were smuggled into NZ in mid 1970s, rumoured to be taken from Domaine Romanée-Conti.

Today, Ata Rangi is still considered to be one of top Pinot Noir producers in NZ, particularly expressive when it comes to delivering Martinborough’s signature style. Elegant, fruit-forward, yet age-worthy.

For 2019 vintage, the well famed Abel clone old vines yield makes up 40% of the blend. The result is a complex, structured wine, beautifully perfumed in the classic Ata Rangi style.

Good rainfall up to Christmas set the vineyards up well for what was a very dry Summer. Overall, the season was slightly warmer than average, but the cooler finish to the season meant vibrant acidity was retained, while tannin ripened fully. Smaller bunches and yields resulted in concentration and complexity, which will allow this 2019 to age beautifully.

A full fragrant nose of sun-baked raspberry, red rose, anise and dark cherry meld with delicate savoury notes of fresh herbs. The palate is a balance of power and freshness, with flavours of fresh red cherry carrying through to the finish. Complex yet ethereal, this vintage encapsulates our vision of Martinborough Pinot Noir. Consider the whole bunch used in making this wine, the wine can unsurprisingly age for 20+ years in grace.