Ata Rangi's McCrone Vineyard was planted in 2001 using a mix of clones that has become part of the Ata Rangi fabric: Abel or ‘Gumboot” clone, Dijon selections (115 and 777) and Clone 5. Although just around the corner from our home block, the soils are remarkably different.
Whilst the Martinborough Terrace is predominantly alluvial gravels, there is a compact seam of clay which threads its way across a section of the terrace, fanning out over the gravels and creating a cooling effect on the roots in the soil. The McCrone site catches this seam and delivers a distinctively different aroma and flavour profile than that of the Ata Rangi Pinot Noir, even with vine age taken into account.
This is packed with bright red-cherry aromas and has a sheen of rose-like flowers across the nose, which is somewhat of an Ata Rangi signature. Some light earth and forest wood as well. Fresh and complex. The palate has intensely defined tannins that deliver impressively structured style with crisp red-cherry and raspberry flavors, as well as red plum to close. A powerful McCrone. Drink or hold. Screw cap.
97 points James Suckling jamessuckling.com Feb 2021