The 2008 Pinot Noir presents a more delicate nose of raspberries, some kirsch plus floral notes of roses. Framed by a vibrant acid line and low to medium levels of very fine tannins, it finishes long, elegant and fine. Drink it now to 2018+. 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.)

Described as ‘a(chǎn) magic vintage’ where the weather behaved, yields were high and harvest went ‘without a hitch’. This was also the last year herbicides were used (Ata Rangi was certified organic in 2012). Sweet cherry and vanilla spice nose, rich ripe and quintessentially Kiwi in style. Ata Rangi Pinot Noir 2008 has delicious purity and bright acidity.

Beautifully balanced, with crisp acids providing lift and delineation to the cherry fruit while at the same time supple tannins provide just the right amount of texture. Smoky oak caresses and accents the fruit with hints of cocoa, cinnamon and clove. Drink 2012–2018. ——J.C.(4/1/2011)—— 91