Ata Rangi Masters Pinot Noir 2021, Martinborough, NZD $125
Those unfamiliar with this wine will at least recognise Masters—this is from Helen Masters’ vineyard directly in her back yard in a cooler part of Martinborough, 4km south of the village, where the higher clay content in the river gravels gives it the most perfume of Ata Rangi’s three single-vineyard pinot noirs. The vines were planted in 2001.
Light crimson. Strawberries and red peppers. Expressive with clearly exuberant fruit but not bombastic. It even smells crunchy. The palate is deeply flavoured with cola nut, black fruit, spice and sumac complexity, less expressive than the nose. Oak arrives mid-palate, contributing to a drying finish but with depth in reserve. Long, closed and very young with tight, cooler-climate acidity and linear, chalky tannins. Elegant and restrained at this stage, but with beautifully defined and detailed fruit which will reward cellaring. (Screwcap)
Score: 96 ★★★★★ – view original tasting note
Alcohol: 13.5%
Ageing: 2025 to 2036
Food: crispy Cantonese roast duck or a rustic ratatouille with lamb meatballs
Stockists: Ata Rangi Wines; Negociants Australia (AU distributors)
Ranked: #5 of 28 2021 Pinot Noir from Martinborough
Awarded: Top Rank
This Article was originally published on The Real Review
