2024 Ata Rangi Masters Chardonnay, Martinborough

A simply brilliant wine. Tasted over 4 days, a complex and enticing wine with layers of ripe fruits, a judicious and balanced measure of oak, layers of spice and complexity that are giving yet not dominant nor intense. Rather, an intriguing wine with a mineral and saline quality, flavours of grapefruit and apple, white fleshed stone fruits and complexities from lees and wood spice, earth-smoke of stone and clay. Excellent drinking from day of purchase through 2032+.

97 points Cam Douglas MS

Restrained but complex wine with unfolding layers of orchid, white pepper, smoke, lemon zest, savoury herbs and clove on the nose. The palate, though backward and very young, bursts with taut flavours of grilled citrus, white peach and celery salt, carried by a sherbet-like acidity and sleek phenolics with just enough wood on the back to notice. Very driven and concentrated, this is linear and compact presently, the measured fruit flavours hiding a core of flinty minerality and firm structure which will allow this powerful, elegant chardonnay to develop more savoury complexity and weight over the long term. 06 May 2026 Drink 2027–2038

96 points Stephen Wong MW for The Real Review #1 of 18 2024 Chardonnay from Wairarapa

Ata Rangi has long been one of New Zealand's most revered wineries, with founder Clive Paton helping establish Martinborough as a world class wine region. Today, winemaker Helen Masters continues that legacy, crafting wines of exceptional purity, balance and longevity. Named in her honour, Masters Chardonnay reflects her thoughtful approach to winemaking, combining precision with a deep respect for vineyard expression.

Sourced from estate vineyards planted on the ancient river terraces of Martinborough, the fruit benefits from free draining gravel soils, warm days and cool nights that encourage slow, even ripening. Wild fermentation, careful barrel maturation and extended lees ageing build texture and complexity while preserving the vibrant freshness that defines this elegant cool climate Chardonnay.

The colour is a luminous pale gold with green highlights. Aromas of white peach, nectarine and Meyer lemon are layered with grapefruit zest, white flowers, toasted hazelnut and subtle flinty complexity. The palate is beautifully poised, balancing generous stone fruit with fine citrus, creamy texture and seamlessly integrated French oak. A line of bright natural acidity and crushed stone minerality carries the wine through a long, refined finish of remarkable finesse and persistence.

Superb with grilled crayfish, roasted free range chicken, seared scallops, lemon and herb risotto, roast cauliflower with brown butter or aged Comté. While captivating in its youth, this outstanding Chardonnay will continue to gain depth and complexity over the next eight to twelve years.