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

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

From the gravelly river terraces of Martinborough, Ata Rangi has long been regarded as one of New Zealand’s benchmark Pinot Noir producers. Founded in 1980 by Clive Paton, with the name meaning “new beginning” in Te Reo Māori, the estate helped place Martinborough firmly on the global fine wine map. Today under the continued guidance of the Paton family and a deeply experienced vineyard and cellar team, Ata Rangi crafts Pinot Noir that balances purity, savoury complexity and remarkable longevity. The 2021 vintage delivered superb growing conditions, allowing fruit to reach ideal ripeness while retaining the lifted aromatics and structural finesse that define the region.

A deep ruby crimson fills the glass with quiet confidence. Aromas unfold in layered waves of dark cherry, wild plum and raspberry intertwined with rose petal, dried thyme and subtle notes of forest floor and spice. There is a beautiful sense of depth and composure here, reflecting both vine maturity and meticulous winemaking.

The palate is supple yet finely structured, delivering concentrated red and dark berry fruit framed by silky tannins and vibrant natural acidity. Flavours of pomegranate, tea leaf and gentle oak spice emerge through the mid palate, leading to a long, savoury finish that feels both polished and persistent. This Pinot Noir is built to age gracefully over ten to fifteen years, developing layers of truffle, dried florals and earthy nuance.

A magnificent partner for elegant yet flavourful dishes, it shines with roast duck, herb crusted lamb, mushroom risotto or grilled salmon. Ata Rangi Pinot Noir captures the timeless allure of Martinborough, perfect for autumn dinners, shared tables and moments when a beautifully crafted Pinot Noir becomes the centre of attention.