2014 Ata Rangi Pinot Noir 750ml

Overview

A benchmark Martinborough Pinot Noir from Ata Rangi, the 2014 vintage combines mature-vine depth with the estate’s hallmark perfume and structure. Only the oldest parcels are selected for this flagship wine, including a significant component of the celebrated Abel clone. With 99-point acclaim from Bob Campbell and further 96- and 95-point reviews, it is a highly regarded expression of Martinborough Pinot Noir with proven ageing ability.

Vineyard

Only the oldest parcels of fruit are used for Ata Rangi Pinot Noir. The Abel clone, historically associated with Burgundy and long established in Martinborough, makes up 40% of the blend. The resulting wine is structured, complex and highly perfumed in the classic Ata Rangi style.

Winemaking

The wine was made with 35% whole bunches, with the balance destemmed, and fermentation took place with indigenous yeasts. Ferments reached a peak temperature of 32°C and were hand-plunged, with total tank time ranging from 20 to 23 days. After pressing, the wine completed malolactic fermentation in oak.

Maturation

The wine spent 11 months in French oak, including 35% new oak, before blending and a further six months of maturation.

Critic Reviews

99 Points – Bob Campbell
Tasted June 2016

96 Points – Huon Hooke
“This is in its zone right now, still youthful and full of fruit but also some developed complexities and has settled into itself, showing beautifully. A fuller, deeper style of NZ pinot with concentration and structure and a long carry.”
Tasted December 2022

95 Points – Falstaff
“The nose is much more shy but air brings a note of iron oxide. The palate has vivid juiciness, is energetic, there still is that pepperiness but the lovely, tart, red fruit is suffused with earth, mysterious and profound. A lovely and earthy finish of red cherry.”
Tasted August 2021

95 Points – The Wine Front
Tasted May 2016

Producer

Ata Rangi is a small, family-owned organic winery in Martinborough, at the southern end of New Zealand’s North Island. The name Ata Rangi means “dawn sky” or “new beginning” in Te Reo Māori. The estate is particularly renowned for Pinot Noir and focuses on wines that reflect the character of Martinborough.

Specifications

• Vintage: 2014
• Producer: Ata Rangi
• Grape Variety: Pinot Noir
• Region: Martinborough, New Zealand
• Alcohol: 14%
• Whole Bunch: 35%
• Fermentation: Indigenous yeast fermentation with hand-plunging
• Maturation: 11 months in French oak, followed by a further 6 months after blending
• New Oak: 35%
• Drinking Window: 2016–2030