Description
Wine Name: Ata Rangi Pinot Noir 2021. Certified organic.
Region: Martinborough, Wairarapa, New Zealand
Grape Variety: 100% Pinot Noir
Alcohol Content: 14% ABV
One of the pioneers of the region, Clive Paton was one of the first to plant grapes on the Martinborough Terrace in 1980 and the winery has since gone on to become a legend of the New Zealand wine industry. Home of the Gumboot clone of Pinot Noir, a cutting from the vineyards of Domaine de la Romanée Conti allegedly smuggled back into the country by an enterprising Kiwi in a pair of gumboots. In 2010 Ata Rangi was honored with the Tipuranga Teitei o Aotearoa award, New Zealand’s equivalent of Grand Cru status and wine-maker Helen Masters consistently produces some of the country’s finest Pinot Noir.
Maturation: 11 months in French oak barriques (30% new), followed by 8 months’ integration in stainless steel prior to bottling. Unfined and minimally filtered.
Ata Rangi’s 2021 Pinot Noir is a benchmark expression of Martinborough elegance, fusing purity of fruit with layered complexity. The nose opens in a swirl of wild raspberries, ripe cherry, and crushed rose petals, underpinned by hints of clove, thyme, and subtle forest floor. On the palate, a fine-boned structure frames a core of red and black berries, accented by savoury spice and a whisper of smoky oak. Silky tannins and vibrant acidity create tension and drive, while the finish is long, refined, and gently mineral. This vintage, shaped by a cooler season, delivers both immediate charm and a framework for graceful aging. Will reward careful cellaring for 10–15 years, developing more earthy, truffle-laden complexity over time. A natural partner for dishes such as roast duck with cherry glaze, wild mushroom risotto, or herb-crusted lamb, it also shines alongside fine cheeses. This is a wine that speaks of place and season with eloquence and quiet power.
