2002 ATA RANGI Pinot Noir-Martinborough.NZ

[Attila]

Tasting Note No.13

A very important Pinot Noir that is exported to France among other countries. I was looking forward to this release from the 'New beginning' vineyard. The grapes are from four different sites, the wine went through malolactic fermentation and spent 12 months in oak, 25% new.

Colour bright cherry red. Very FRESH fragrance of fruits of the forest, cherries and plums with exotic spices lurking in the background. I expected a tannic powerhouse, instead I was surprised by a beautifully silky and full palate rich in fruit. Very gentle, smooth and intelligent winemaking by Oliver Masters. Excellent concentration of sweet plums, dark cherry and a little chocolate. It was bottled in August and only recently arrived in Australia, so I put down the bitter finish to bottle shock. This wine will change for the better, once it settles down. It is a very good Pinot Noir that got stuck in my mind. Drink 2004 to 2007. I believe the price of AU $65 is quite high but my opinion will not matter as this wine will disappear from the market in weeks anyway. Good stuff.

2003 ATA RANGI Sauvignon Blanc

Grapes picked from three sites. A portion of the wine fermented in oak. This wine received no malo-lactic fermentation.
Colour vibrant clear with some hay on the edges. Lovely sweet nose of melon and tropical fruits. Perfectly balanced, round palate of sweet melon, nectarines and a touch of passionfruit, good complexity. A very friendly and polished Sauvignon Blanc that is soft and round. Delicious now. Worth the AU $25 for sure.

also tasted

2000 MARTINBOROUGH VINEYARD Chardonnay

Lady winemaker Claire Mulholland created a lovely wine that is drinking extremely well right now. Hand picked and sorted grapes from various sites makes up this complex barrel fermented, Burgundy style Chardonnay.
Colour vibrant gold, butterscotch and vanilla on the nose. The well balanced palate is rich with ripe fruit and good acid. Impressive and complex, it has a flavourful finish, a wine at it's peak that will hold until early 2005. It cost AU $40 and in my experience it's right on the money.

2001 MARTINBOROUGH VINEYARD Pinot Noir

A Pinot Noir that is even exported to Russia. Ten different clones harvested from mostly mature sites, some 22 years old. The hand picked grapes from the Martinborough Terrace were fermented with wild yeasts and the wine was aged in French oak.
Colour dark cherry red. Funky nose of truffle, spices and barnyard. The palate is rich and full with cherries and chocolate. Very well balanced with fine tannins but lacks power and strength for longevity. Drinking well already, will peak in 2004-2005. It cost AU $65 but the Ata Rangi is the better wine. This Pinot would be a fair buy at $40, the current price is stretching it.

Tasted:November 2003.

[Paul T]

Thanks for the post Attila, i have a bottle of the 2001 Martinborough Pinot Noir and are getting a 2001 Ata Rangi Pinot Noir off my boss..i've tried the Martinborough before and loved it (but i am new to the world of pinots) and are looking forward to the Ata Rangi.

Cheers

Paul

[SueNZ]

2001 MARTINBOROUGH VINEYARD Pinot Noir .... It cost AU $65 but the Ata Rangi [2002] is the better wine.

Hi Attila,

Nice notes as always. Unfortunately the Martinborough Vineyards Pinot Noir 2002 is not due to be released until next Feb, so you will have to wait a while to compare the wines from the same vintage. 2002 was the better season, so something to look forward to.

Cheers,
Sue