“Ata Rangi is one of New Zealand’s most respected Pinot Noir producers, offering nuance and complexity.The wines always manage balance ripeness of fruit with a delicate hand, extricating fine tannins. Long-time winemaker Helen Masters nails it every year whither the season. Several single vineyard cuvées have come on stream in recent years. The Kotinga, planted on gravel, is a bright, sappy style, while the McCrone, off clay-rich soils, is more robust, full and structured, taking longer to come around. Masters’ Pinot Noir from clay gravels also has a sense of structure and fragrance. The so-called entry-level Crimson provides a well-priced taste of fine Martinborough Pinot Noir.”
“Already throwing out considerable sediment, the 2016 Lovat Vineyard Syrah became a vibrant purple hue in the glass. Violets and cracked pepper make for an enticing nose, and that’s backed by blueberries and blackberries on the palate. It’s medium-bodied but intense, with just-ripe tannins and bright acids that give the wine a precise, elegant feel and lengthy finish. One of two great Syrahs from Martinborough (the other being Kusuda’s), it should drink well for a decade or more. Drink: 2021-2030. 94 points”
“The striking thing about Dry River’s 2017 Pinot Noir is its rose-blossom perfume, which seems to persist even on the palate and through the lengthy finish. Yes, there are barely-ripe cherries, a silky, medium-bodied feel on the palate and subtle hints of mocha and spice, but the overwhelming impression is one of floral elegance. While some vintages of this wine need time in the cellar, this is immediately approachable, yet it should drink well for up to decade. Drink: 2020-2030. 93 points”
“Ata Rangi’s 2019 Pinot Noir is the whole package. It has a piercing, focused nose, offering clarity of fruit and the backing support of lightly spiced French oak. Reminiscent of fresh yet sweet cherry fruit and woody herbs on the palate, it also reveals a savory tobacco and game note that’s oh-so-Martinborough. The wine sits comfortably in your mouth, like a ball being gently cupped. It delivers excellent concentration, and the fine, powdery tannins coat the palate, leaving you licking the inside of your mouth and experiencing the texture of river stones. The finish is long, fresh and fragrant. Drinking window: 2023-2036. 97 points”
