2011 Ata Rangi Pinot Noir Martinborough
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Tasting notes
A warmer than average September and settled Nov/Dec made for a relaxed. frost-free spring, and a healthy, even bunch set – so much so that crops were thinned to ensure even, complete ripeness. January delivered gorgeous summer days, tempered by our typically cool nights. The warm weather and high level of sunlight hours cemented tannin ripeness in seeds and skins. March and April cooled off with some rain showers that were quickly soaked up by the dry soils, slightly diluting intensity but not creating any disease problems. GDD 1,290, 10% whole bunch. Mid cherry red. Riper red fruit, with some oak sweetness. Firm but super-fine tannins, compact and much more to come although it is all fully harmonised now. Savoury, nicely dry finish. (JH)
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
Pale to medium ruby in color, the 2011 Pinot Noir has an intensely perfumed nose with abundant floral scents of violets alongside pomegranate and cranberries, lavender and some earthy aromas. Medium-bodied and offering a good intensity of fruit, it has a medium level of fine tannins, balanced acid and a long finish. Drink it now to 2021+. A winery that really needs no introduction for NZ Pinot lovers, there’s not much for me to add about the long-serving, dedicated team behind Ata Rangi – they just go from strength to strength. The Pinots have always been great, and yet even in a world where the Pinot benchmark gets higher every year, Ata Rangi is better than ever. (Almost equally impressive though are Petrie and Craighall Chardonnays, clearly getting a lot of love in the cellar from highly skilled winemaker Helen Masters.)