2021 Ata Rangi Masters Pinot Noir, Martinborough

The 2021 Masters Pinot Noir is thrilling. It nestles as comfortably on the tongue as the 2020. The 70% whole bunch is almost invisible, save for its impact on the structure (the air and room it creates in the mouth equals space). It's a cooler site with gravel in the clay soil, and it ripens later; so, the hang time may contribute to the width. The rollout of flavor in this wine is persistent from front to back. It's a ripper. It was my preferred single-vineyard wine in the lineup. There's redcurrant, pink peppercorn, pomegranate, juniper, dried thyme, rosemary and hints of sumac. 

96+ points Erin Larkin for The Wine Advocate

The vineyard was planted in 2001 and has been owned since 2015 by Helen Masters (winemaker of Ata Rangi) and her husband, Ben. It is certified organic. A large portion of whole bunches usually make the ferment. A sublime pinot noir of depth and concentration yet ethereal glide, filigree of lacy tannin, succulence of minerally acidity and a profile that stretches from dark cherry to game meat and back to alpine herbs and undergrowth. The perfume is wildly fragrant and generous, the palate lip-smacking with its fruit and savoury and mineral characters. The wine is harmonious and persistent. A kaleidoscopic pinot noir of immense satisfaction and complexity.

96 points Mike Bennie for Halliday Wine Companion

A wine to invest in. Complex and enticing, youthful, savoury and vibrant. A bouquet of youth and pinosity with fragrances of red berries and raspberry tea, dried herb and preserved flowers. Layers of natural spices, raspberry and plum then fresh dark red skinned cherry. The oak is moderate with some baking spice qualities. On the palate a dry wine with a youthful taut squeeze, core of red berry fruit flavours then spices of place with a dark clay and dry stone quality then barrel. The mouthfeel reveals an abundance of tannins with a polish as well as savoury side, medium+ acidity with an overall solid structure. Lengthy, complex, youthful and delicious. A wine for the cellar still with best drinking likely from 2026 through 2036+.

96 points Cam Douglas MS

Light crimson. Strawberries and red peppers. Expressive with clearly exuberant fruit but not bombastic. It even smells crunchy. The palate is deeply flavoured with cola nut, black fruit, spice and sumac complexity. Less expressive than the nose, oak arrives mid-palate, contributing to a drying finish but with depth in reserve. Long, closed and very young with tight, cooler-climate acidity and linear, chalky tannins. Elegant and restrained at this stage, but with beautifully defined and detailed fruit which will reward cellaring 

96 points Stephen Wong for The Real Review

A terrific, elegant wine with the right level of VA lift that reflects in the fragrant, crunchy, red-fuited and floral duality, without missing a little umami, and bramble-cinnamon-like notes to spice up things. Moreover, a smoky meatiness, like bresaola, blood orange and plum characters add to the overall complexity. The palate is both very savoury and very fruity. You get a beautiful dry extract feeling, that unmistakable tactile sensation on the palate, that culminates in a long, tantalising length. It is such a complex, refreshing, salivating wine that you’ll finish the bottle in the blink of an eye.

95 points Lisa Cardelli for Wine Pilot

Ata Rangi has been at the forefront of New Zealand Pinot Noir since Clive Paton established the winery in 1980, helping to transform Martinborough into one of the world's great cool climate wine regions. Crafted by Helen Masters, whose meticulous attention to detail and gentle winemaking have earned international acclaim, Masters Pinot Noir is a fitting tribute to her vision and to the extraordinary vineyards that define Ata Rangi.

The 2021 vintage comes from some of the estate's oldest vines, rooted in Martinborough's ancient alluvial river terraces. A superb growing season delivered beautifully balanced fruit with exceptional concentration, vibrant natural acidity and finely structured tannins. Traditional hand harvesting, wild fermentation and careful maturation in French oak allow the vineyard's character to shine, producing a Pinot Noir of remarkable elegance, complexity and longevity.

The colour is a deep ruby with brilliant crimson highlights. Aromas of black cherry, wild raspberry and red plum are interwoven with dried rose petals, thyme, baking spice and subtle forest floor notes. The palate is silky and beautifully detailed, revealing layers of dark cherry, cranberry and savoury spice supported by fine, powdery tannins. Hints of tea leaf, earthy minerality and gentle oak unfold through a long, graceful finish that reflects the purity and precision of Martinborough.

A superb match for roast duck with cherry glaze, herb crusted lamb rack, wild mushroom and thyme risotto, grilled venison or aged Gouda. Magnificent to enjoy now after decanting, it also has the structure to reward patient cellaring for fifteen years or more.