2022 Ata Rangi Pinot Noir, Martinborough

Stunning and captivating, the wine shows dark berry, warm spice, porcini, and toasted almond characters with an elegant floral overtone. The palate is equally enticing with outstanding concentration and depth, combined with silky flow and beautifully infused fine tannins, making it wonderfully structured with finesse and sophistication. Gorgeously proportioned and harmonious with a sustained, graceful finish. At its best: 2027 to 2042.

98 points Sam Kim for Wine Orbit

Beautifully detailed, dark red fruit sits amidst layers of highly complex, earthy savouriness. This mid-weight pinot is exquisitely balanced with a dynamic interplay of air-dried strawberries, oriental spice bazaar, exotic tropical fruit and medicinal herbs across its elegant, intricate palate. Finely etched acidity and sleek tannins provide tension and a persistent grip which draws attention to its remarkable length. Gentle waves of flavour reprise across the palate, displaying finesse, clarity and precision without being clinical. Not a blockbuster by any means and though approachable now, it will gracefully age in the long term by virtue of its balance and elegance 23 Apr 2025 Drink 2025–2045

96 points Stephen Wong MW for The Real Review

The 2022 Pinot Noir is lighter than the 2020 and softer than the 2021. In 2022, the decision was made not to release any single-vineyard wines "because they didn't express the character that we were hoping for in that vintage," says Winemaker Helen Masters. On the nose, there's white strawberry, cherry, pomegranate pearls and even a hint of raspberry leaf. In the mouth, the wine is pink peppercorn, open and yet compact, open-weave without being loose. There's clarity. It's lovely. The best fruit from the three single vineyards and the older estate vineyards make up this wine, yet the overall volume of the Ata Rangi Pinot Noir remains the same. Interesting to note that in 2023, there was no Ata Rangi 2023 made; all of the fruit flowed to the Crimson cuvée, the first time in the estate's 39 years. 13.5% alcohol, sealed under screw cap. Drink 2023-2037.

94+ points Erin Larkin for The Wine Advocate

A tight and focused Ata Rangi with sliced strawberries and hints of white pepper and minerals. It’s medium-bodied, crisp and fresh, with light wet earth and fresh mushroom undertones to the fruit. This has verve. Drink or hold.

94 points James Suckling

Long before Martinborough became synonymous with world class Pinot Noir, Ata Rangi was proving that this small corner of New Zealand could produce wines to rival the great regions of the world. Founded in 1980 by Clive Paton, together with his sister Alison and partner Phyll Paton, the estate became one of the pioneers of modern New Zealand Pinot Noir. The name Ata Rangi translates from Māori as "new beginning" or "dawn sky", a fitting reflection of both the winery's origins and its influence on the region.

The vineyards sit on ancient river terraces scattered with free draining gravel soils, remarkably similar in structure to parts of Burgundy. Martinborough's cool climate and long growing season allow Pinot Noir to ripen slowly, building complexity while preserving freshness and natural acidity. The superb 2022 vintage delivered fruit of exceptional purity and balance, and under the guidance of long time winemaker Helen Masters, the wine continues the estate's reputation for precision, elegance and longevity.

Bright ruby red in colour, the bouquet is wonderfully expressive, revealing aromas of wild cherry, raspberry and red plum layered with rose petal, dried thyme and subtle spice. As the wine evolves in the glass, hints of forest floor, star anise and earthy complexity emerge, adding intrigue and depth. The palate is silky and beautifully structured, delivering vibrant red berry fruits, savoury nuances and finely woven tannins supported by fresh acidity. There is a wonderful sense of energy and harmony throughout, leading to a long, graceful finish marked by spice, florals and mineral detail.

This is a magnificent partner for duck breast, roast quail, mushroom pithivier, grilled salmon or a wild mushroom risotto. While already immensely enjoyable with a decant, the balance and pedigree of Ata Rangi suggest a long and rewarding future in the cellar.