2019 Ata Rangi, Martinborough Pinot Noir, New Zealand – buy online

WHO? 

Ata Rangi, meaning ‘dawn, new beginning’, is owned by Clive Paton, his wife Phyll, and his sister Alison. In 1980, Clive planted their bare, stony home paddock on the edge of Martinborough, becoming one of the pioneering few who started growing grapes in the area. Ata Rangi’s first vineyard covered less than five hectares of vines, planted in deep, well-drained alluvial gravel soil, marking the original course of the local river flowing from the hills on the eastern side of the valley.

WHERE?

Ata Rangi vineyards are located in Martinborough, in the Wairarapa region, north of Wellington. They became organically certified in early 2014. The grapes are planted in a thin layer of well-drained alluvial soil. Only the oldest and highest parcels are used. The composition of Ata Rangi’s Pinot Noir is unique to the region, with the majority (40%) being Abel. It blooms later, thus avoiding the worst part of the spring weather.

WHY?

Aromas of ripe plums, exotic spices, and licorice on the nose. The palate smoothly unfolds with full flavors of wild rose and dark plums, with fine salty tannins and fresh acidity carrying the wine to a long, elegant finish.