Wine Advocate 91 points!
Wine Advocate 91 Points!"The 2006 Ata Rangi Pinot Noir (tasted twice) includes fruit from some of the 27-year-old home block vines and was matured for 12 months using 25% new oak. It displays a vibrant, slightly leafy nose with cranberry and a touch of forest floor, the palate -economical- i.e. no frills, but clean, crisp, vibrant fruit; brilliant focus with supreme poise on the finish. It gains intensity in the glass, a mercurial Pinot Noir as compelling as many a top Burgundy."
Wine Advocate #176 April 2008
"The dream vintage of 2006 has produced a lively, fruit-expressive pinot that reflects the strong Ata Rangi heritage. Selected barrel components kept separate during fermentation and maturation integrated unusually effortlessly on blending, immediately revealing a wine of deceptive power and grace - the ultimate reward for a winemaker, and the result of an exceptionally favourable season.
Sleek, ultra-supple tannins support the vivid red fruits, fresh plum-stone and ripe black cherry notes. Dark chocolate and rose scents add intrigue and promise, as do the fine savoury threads which run through the palate. Taut and restrained when young, this vibrant pinot will in time reveal its wilder, earthier side, along with voluptuous fruit spun in a shawl of silky tannins."
Tasting Notes, www.atarangi.co.nz
"To reveal my intentions: I'm more of a Martinborough man than a Central Otago man, though increasingly I love both. Ata Rangi is the king of Martinborough, and 2006 is a stunning example of its power. This wine is supple, arrestingly long, bold in its blue fruit character, and yet savoury, spicy, and sappy too. The colour is a brilliant dark purple crimson, and the finish of it an intricate arrangement of minerals and tannins. Shape wise, it pulls long, rather than balling through the mid-palate. It's a new world pinot noir for the new world to be proud of."
Drink : 2012 - 2020 97 points Cambell Mattinson, The Winefront
"I have had a crack at this particular wine twice now. The first out of big glasses (next to the 2006 PHI Pinot) at an informal tasting and the second out of little glasses at an informal dinner. I know I am bad and I should pay more attention, but no matter which way you slice the old tamarillo, this is an outstanding wine that stands up and performs every time.
Aromas of dark cherry, spice, dark chocolate, violet and a tangy orange peel top note. A bit earthy, fruity and fragrant all in one. On the palate smooth fine talc-like tannins and a lithe muscular frame with expansive and mouth filling fruit. Plenty of flavour, but not heavy or clumsy. There are flavours of dark cherry and berry, spice, undergrowth and tamarillo with a light (and very attractive) sarsaparilla character adding regional interest. Long and persistent (Are we finished yet? Are we finished yet?). I wasted no time buying a few bottles for the cellar."
Drink : 2007 - 2016 95+ points Gary Walsh, The Wine Front
Country:
New Zealand
Region:
NZ- Martinborough
Variety:
Wine Red - Pinot noir
Size:
750mL
