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By: Thomas Smith | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: 9/4/2023 | Send Email
As much as I loved the tension and aromatic elegance of the 2018 Ata Rangi Pinot Noir, the 2019 Ata Rangi demonstrates the power, drive and exceptional composition that earned this winery their legendary reputation. Recently, their head winemaker Helen Master’s explained that Ata Rangi’s wines fall into two categories: vintages that express more aromatics and taut acidity, and vintages that flex power and fruit character. The 2019 is of the later, and like its predecessors the 17, 16, and 13, this is an incredibly focused and exceptionally crafted wine that is not only delicious now, but will continue to develop beautifully over the next 10-15 years. One of only two wines given “Grand Cru” status by New Zealand wine growers, Ata Rangi is the country’s best producer and one of the top Pinot Noir producers worldwide. Which is shocking when you compare its price to its peers in the United States and France. Ata Rangi’s flagship Pinot Noir consistently delivers at a world-class level, and I believe it’s one of the best kept secrets in Pinot Noir. The 2019 has all the hallmarks of classic Martinborough Pinot Noir. Deep, dark color, intense concentration and a backbone of savory character that rides from the first sip to the long, resonating finish. The power here reminds me of the 2017, but unlike the 2017 there’s a touch less overt Oak influence, leaving the window open for more delicate nuances of white pepper, floral notes, and dried orange peel while on the palate there’s fresh cranberry, tart cherry, and asian sour plum notes that make this extremely accessible now. Regardless, there’s a good base of tannin that sits on the backplate like a coiled spring–give this a few years in the cellar, and it will continue to improve for up to the next 15 years. This is a stellar vintage from Ata Rangi, and the first of a three-year run of exceptional vintages from New Zealand’s top producer. We were only able to secure half of our normal allocation for this exceptional vintage and these wines can only be found at K&L, so don’t miss out!
Top Value!
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By: Ryan Moses | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: 8/31/2023 | Send Email
It is wines like this that make Ata Rangi one of the most coveted, collectible Pinot Noirs for good reason. About 30 minutes out of the bottle it is already showing a remarkable amount of nuance. The aromas are gorgeous, going from high-pitched blackberry to ripe red strawberry to beautiful bright florals - it just keeps you coming back for more. On the palate, there is a great persistence of fruit and deft balance between spice, texture, and a thread of minerality. A touch of salinity and mouthwatering acidity ties it in. The palate is savory and, of course, a bit primary at this young stage, but it unveils a great promise for where it's going to lead with some years in the cellar. This is serious Pinot Noir that wouldn't be out of place in the Côte de Nuits, but Pinot Noir doesn't have to be Burgundy to be great. It's a wine that you just want to spend some time with, or build a meal around. For fans of structure, minerality, and refinement in elegant Pinot Noir, Ata Rangi's 2019 has so much to offer.
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By: Carlo Delgado | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: 8/24/2023 | Send Email
Ata Rangi continuously produces benchmark quality Martinborough Pinot Noir. Great balance between dark fruit, floral notes, savory dried herbs, and a distinctive note of sarsaparilla. Light and spicy on the palate, with a delicious, long finish!
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By: Philip Roufail | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: 8/24/2023 | Send Email
Ata Rangi is from the indigenous Maori language and means "dawn" or "new beginning." If you've never enjoyed a fine New Zealand Pinot Noir, you may consider Ata Rangi as the perfect beginning of your New Zealand wine journey. An icon of New Zealand Pinot Noir, the 2019 Ata Rangi Martinborough is back in form - aromatic, savory, plush, ripe sweet cherries, pepper, spice, herbs, and a hint of new French oak. This is a full bodied, powerful, structured Pinot that hits all the marks. Already considered one of the top Pinot Noir producers in New Zealand, this 2019 should be a A remarkable offering from Helen Masters!
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By: Scott Beckerley | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: 8/23/2023 | Send Email
ta Rangi is always at the very top of my list for Pinot Noir, from any country. This newly arrived 2019 is really just soooo tasty! A deep red-fruited nose with just a bit of pomegranate and savory herb. It is fleshier on the palate with very dark cherry fruit, anise and red boysenberry/strawberry. Fine tannins and a nice bit of chalk and cedar. Truly memorable and truly delicious! Wonderful now AND it is a good candidate for the cellar.
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By: Andrew Nunes | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: 8/23/2023 | Send Email
The nose on this pinot is striking and broad, with handbag leather, mushroom, truffle, plum, and coastal forest floor. On the palate, the wine is very well balanced; some plummy weight and nicely integrated acidity and soft but weighty tannins. My favorite pinots are those I keep coming back to smell - and this is definitely one of them. I would personally cellar this for 6 months and start drinking it over the next 3 years. I expect the nose to really explode as it lays down- and for a savory and earthy pinot this is a really phenomenal pick to pop, smell - and smile. On my top 5 favorite pinots I have tasted this year.
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