Ata Rangi Pinot Noir 08

Ata Rangi Pinot Noir 2008 (20.0/20), at 13.5% alc, from Ata Rangi, Champ Ali, Di Mattina, Cambrae, Lismore and Dodd sites, being Abel, clone 5, 114, 115, 667 and 10/5, vines up to 29 y.o., 5% whole bunch, indigenous yeasts and 12 months in 25% new French oak. This had a dark deep purple hued ruby red colour with a beautifully vibrant, floral and red berry fruit nose, just intense and fine, and penetrating. On palate, a multi-faceted wine with a myriad of nuances to the red cherry fruit, cherry liqueur and floral flavours and hints of red plums. The sweetness and richness of fruit is brightened by perfect acidity. There is density with elegance. Purity yet great individuality of expression. A wine that will drink with immense pleasure over the next 8-10 years.  RC July 10

Impeccable. Ata Rangi’s 2008 Pinot Noir would be a contender for the best Pinot Noir in New Zealand from the 2008 vintage. In a vintage that provides good quantities of beautifully ripened fruit, it takes extreme dedication and discipline to make the strictest of selection of fruit to go into a supreme label, and this is what Clive Paton and Helen Masters at Ata Rangi have done to create this outstanding wine. This was made predominantly from the oldest home blocks, with Abel clone nearing 30 years of age with some Pommard and Dijon clone, and a little 10/5 material for added complexity. 5-8 days pre-fermentation cold maceration, 5% whole bunch, indigenous yeast fermentation to a peak of 32°C and 12 months in 25% new oak, with bottling unfiltered. At 13.5% alc., this is an elegant, but extremely concentrated Pinot Noir of exquisite finesse and silky mouthfeel. Beautifully perfumed with ethereal florals and a core of red and dark fruits adding to the aromatic nature of this wine, there is no lack of substance. The tannin extraction is extremely refined, yet substantial. Aromas and flavours unfold in the glass and with each sip. The balance is nigh on perfect and allows immediate enjoyment, but make no mistake, this will age effortlessly and gracefully over the next 7-9 years.  RC Nov 09

Related Reading...

Magnificent 2008 Pinot Noirs From Martinborough

After a series of low yield, frost –affected vintages, it is pleasing to see ...... more

Martinborough Pinot Noir 2008 - A Great Vintage

Regional Wines conducted two tastings of a wide, but not comprehensive range of Martinborough Pinot Noir from 2008, a great vintage, to celebrate the ... more

New Zealand's 'Top 20' Wines Feature In 'Decanter'

The latest issue of Decanter magazine, Volume 34, No. 12, September 2010, features New Zealand on the front cover and as its two leading articles. The... more