Ata Rangi Craighall Riesling 2018, Martinborough, NZD $33
This riesling is from 1980s vines planted in the famed Craighall vineyard, directly across from Ata Rangi’s home block. 2018 was the final vintage before the vines were replanted, so this wine is a little piece of Martinborough history. The winery has made available a small quantity, pre-cellared and at a beautifully drinkable level of maturity.
Delicately perfumed nose with layers of toasty, mineral oil development from age, clover honey, citrus and just-ripe apple. Lifted, precise and tightly wound despite the evident notes of maturity. A refined, light, ceramic-like palate with excellent driving acidity from the feathery textured mid-palate through to the resonant, pithy, dry finish with persistent mid-weight flavours of green apple, grapefruit and pine. It’s in a perfect place for drinking: detailed and fresh yet layered, with plenty of tertiary character. (Screwcap)
Score: 94 ★★★★ – view original tasting note
Alcohol: 12.5%
Ageing: now to 2032
Food: pan-seared trevally with roasted buckwheat, shaved celeriac and shiso
Stockists: Ata Rangi Wines, Martinborough Wine Merchants and online (NZ); Negociants Australia (AU distributor)
Ranked: #17 of 80 2018 Riesling from New Zealand
Awarded: Top Rank
This Article was originally published on The Real Review
