2022 Ata Rangi Pinot Noir

A more supple and openly textured Ata Rangi that retains the labels hallmark power and structure.

Only fruit, from the oldest parcels of vines at Ata Rangi makes it into this wine. The fabled Abel clone, allegedly smuggled from Burgundy in the mid-70s, makes up 40% of the blend. Incorporates 40% whole bunch fruit with maturation taking place in French oak (30% new) for a period of 11 months.
Red to dark red core with black shaded edges and a red hue. Perfumed aromatics with violet, ripe dark cherry and strawberry scents trailed by some fresh herb, subtle anise, forest floor and delicate spicy cedar notes. Rich, powerful and expansive yet relatively light on it’s feet, the mid weighted palate is flooded with juicy red to dark cherry, strawberry, red plum and subtle anise flavours. Infusion of fresh herbs, forest floor and spicy cedar unfold across the back half. Outstanding length and depth with seamlessly integrated tannins and fine acidity. More supple and openly textured than recent releases it finishes long and spicy.
Drink over the next 10-15 years.
Alc. 13.5%

Other Reviews….
Stunning and captivating, the wine shows dark berry, warm spice, porcini, and toasted almond characters with an elegant floral overtone. The palate is equally enticing with outstanding concentration and depth, combined with silky flow and beautifully infused fine tannins, making it wonderfully structured with finesse and sophistication. Gorgeously proportioned and harmonious with a sustained, graceful finish. At its best: 2027 to 2042.
98 Points
Sam Kim – Wine Orbit

The 2022 Pinot Noir is lighter than the 2020 and softer than the 2021. In 2022, the decision was made not to release any single-vineyard wines "because they didn't express the character that we were hoping for in that vintage," says Winemaker Helen Masters. On the nose, there's white strawberry, cherry, pomegranate pearls and even a hint of raspberry leaf. In the mouth, the wine is pink peppercorn, open and yet compact, open-weave without being loose. There's clarity. It's lovely. The best fruit from the three single vineyards and the older estate vineyards make up this wine, yet the overall volume of the Ata Rangi Pinot Noir remains the same. Interesting to note that in 2023, there was no Ata Rangi 2023 made; all of the fruit flowed to the Crimson cuvée, the first time in the estate's 39 years. 13.5% alcohol, sealed under screw cap. Drink 2023-2037.
94+ Points
Erin Larkin – Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate

A tight and focused Ata Rangi with sliced strawberries and hints of white pepper and minerals. It’s medium-bodied, crisp and fresh, with light wet earth and fresh mushroom undertones to the fruit. This has verve. Drink or hold.
94 Points
JamesSuckling.com