Medium to deep red colour with a rim of purple and a foresty bouquet that suggests substantial whole-bunch fermentation. The wine is intense and quite structured, with quite a full-body, the tannins imparting a degree of bitterness to the finish and follow-through. The bouquet is charming and captivating, the palate should follow on if given a little more time. It already drinks well with food. As usual, remarkable value for money. (Matured for 12 months in barriques, 20% new)01 SEP 2021 Drink 2022–2031
94 points Huon Hooke therealreview.com
Ata Rangi's second-label pinot noir made from grapes grown on younger vines than their flagship wine. It is sporting a new label showing a stylised Pohutukawa flower. Seamless, stylish pinot noir with savoury, dried herb, spice, cherry, floral and violet flavours. Deliciously approachable now but should develop well, at least in the medium-term.14 JUL 2021 Drink 2021–2025
94 points Bob Campbell MW therealreview.com
Martinborough pinot noir at the hand of one of the masters. “The name Crimson is inspired by a love of rata and pohutakawa, New Zealand’s stunning red-flowering native trees. Sales of this wine support the Project Crimson charitable conservation trust”. It isn’t the flagship pinot from Ata Rangi but boy is this a powerful wine. Impressive to say the least.
One of the best value wines on the planet, hands down! Nick Stock jamessuckling.com October 2019
Crimson is a selection of parcels from younger Pinot Noir vines from various own vineyards on the Martinborough Terrace. In their youth, vines tend to be more fruit expressive, gaining more complexity around 15-20 years.
Fruit was hand-harvested with the majority desteemed and a small parcel whole bunch fermented.
Indigenous yeast ferment took place in stainless steel tanks before the wine was racked off into French oak barrels and cellared for 10 months.
This vintage has the intensity and structure that we love from Martinborough - complex notes of rose petal, blood orange, sandalwood, tamarind and toasted rice entice aromatically while the flavours of cranberry, cinnamon and bergamot tea align with the soft savoury notes of tobacco to taste. This structure makes for a beautifully food-friendly Pinot Noir.