2021 Ata Rangi Pinot Noir, Martinborough

The 2021 Pinot Noir definitely reflects vintage. Its good colour and abundance of gravelly tannins display the smaller berried, smaller vintage. Its bright fruit, intense concentration and plentiful acidity accompany primary red fruit flavour, with an impressive show of ample black tea leaf-like tannins. It’s a wine for the long haul that draws out to an extended finish.

97 points vinous.com

This is impeccably composed and seductively expressed, showing dark cherry, clove, thyme and cedar characters on the nose with a gorgeous floral overtone. The concentrated palate is plush yet poised and refined with fleshy texture and perfectly pitched tannins. The wine exhibits stunning depth with layers of delectable flavours and meticulously structured mouthfeel, leading to a totally captivating, sensual finish.

99 points Sam Kim wineorbit.com

Lively and vibrant red fruits of wild strawberries and red cherries followed by rose hips, ground spices and a touch of citrus zest. Medium-bodied, finely grained velvety tannins with a delightful acid backbone. Zesty and layered wine with beautiful balance and complexity. It’s already enjoyable but will age gracefully.

97 points jamessuckling.com

Deep crimson. A firm, upright nose with blackberry, violet and minerality in a restrained but concentrated package. Not immediately exuberant but there is clearly a lot of innate power here. The palate is full-bodied, very structured from the start with both fruit and oak tannins giving texture and dimension to this impressively serious, mineral and very long wine. Very young currently, it needs a few years to relax into itself but will be fantastic in time as the floral and blackberry flavours unfurl 25 JAN 2024
Drink 2026–2039

96 points Stephen Wong MW therealreview.com

The 2021 Pinot Noir is vibrant on the nose and totally precise and focused. The acid spools right from the front of the palate and has a mobile, agile way about it. The season may have had its challenges, but the wine is effortless, natural and shapely. It's great. The 40% whole bunch here sits well within the red fruit and creates a capacious mid-palate, without an impact of stalky flavor. Superb. A real pleasure to drink. 14% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.

95 points Erin Larkin robertparker.com

A full fragrant nose of juniper, cranberry and red plum meld with spice and herbal notes of cardamon, pink peppercorn and dried oregano. Bright and supple on entry, with finely coating tannins that extend the full length of the palate. This release exudes confidence and poise and is the perfect touchstone for our single vineyard releases.