2006 Ata Rangi Pinot Noir

Finally! A very welcome, average-size crop thanks to a total lack of damaging frosts and the relatively favourable spring conditions. Lovely harvest conditions followed an appropriately warm January and February, with very little wind. The benevolent weather resulted in a better than expected yield. Fruit was in excellent condition with virtually no shrivel. There was a heat spike for a week in January, but generally days were warm, rather than hot. Conversely, nights were cool, creating excellent and very pure, vibrant fruit rather than the more savoury 'tannin and power' characteristics of 2005. GDD 1,160, 15% whole bunch. Fragrant and a little stemmy (15% whole bunch). Aromatic, the stems giving almost a floral note. But notably lightweight on the palate and not especially persistent. Juicy and fresh on the finish, however. (JH)

Pale to medium ruby in color, the 2006 Pinot Noir displays impressive primary fruit notes of crushed cherries and raspberries with nuances of violets, Provence herbs and beef drippings. The palate is equally youthful with a pleasant earthy / minerally character adding interest to the red berry flavors and good amount of grainy tannins, finishing with great persistence.

A very welcome, average-size crop thanks to the lack of damaging frosts (only a couple of close calls) and the relatively favourable spring conditions. Lovely harvest conditions followed an appropriately warm January and February, with very little wind which meant vines were healthy and without wind damage. The benevolent weather resulted in a better than expected yield. Fruit was in excellent condition with very little shrivel. There was a heat spike for a week in January, but generally days were warm, rather than hot, and nights were cool, creating excellent and very pure, vibrant fruit rather than the more savoury 'tannin and power' characteristics of 2005. Relative heat units 1200, yield 4.6 t/ha, extract 29 g/l, TA 5.4 g/l, pH 3.54, 15% whole bunch . Dark ruby. Light, ethereal nose. Rather simpler and slightly jammier than some other vintages. Tannins a bit awkward. Drying burly autumnal notes on the finish. A slight lack of juice? (JR)