Item Number: 4533 UPC: 0836865000011

Country: New Zealand
Region: Wairarapa Sub Region: Martinborough
Appellation/AVA: Martinborough
Vintage: 2009
Grape(s): Pinot Noir
Type: Wine - Red
Bottle Size: 750ml Pack: 12
Closure: Screwcap
Alc by Vol(%): 14
Total Acidity: 5.6
pH: 3.58
Vintage Notes: The 2009 season was one of two halves. A quick, even flowering took place in calm conditions through December. Early January was mild and the vines, which had been crop-thinned, were well-equipped to handle the heat spike that rolled off Australia at the end of the month. The few days of heat were initially cause for concern but, true to form, the exposed Wairarapa Valley was soon cooled from the south. This event delayed the start of picking which had, for a time, looked like being up to 10 days earlier than usual. The whole of April was magically fine and dry and the gorgeous fruit resulting was notable for particularly ripe seeds and tannins.

Winemaking Notes: 10% whole bunch straight to tank. Remaining grapes are destemmed but not crushed. Tanks are held cool for 5 to 8 days before fermentation by indigenous yeast. Peak ferment temp 32 degrees Celsius, with regular hand plunging. Total tank time is 3 to 4 weeks. Complete malolactic ferment in barrel. 12 months in French oak (25% new ). Clones and vineyard sites are kept separate until final blending. This wine is unfiltered.

Tasting Notes: Crushed rose petal, red fruits and cherry stone meld with a seam of spice on the nose. On the palate the impression is more a spread of dark fruits and deep, savory flavors. Tannins are very fine, almost chalky, providing a long, driven finish. The wine has a tension and purity of character that we’re excited about, and we very much look forward to following its evolution. Vine age is undoubtedly a factor in the distinctive sense of place so evident in this Pinot Noir.

96pts by Huon Hooke for The Sydney Morning Herald

94pts (2010 vintage) Wine Spectator 6/15/2012
"Exotic aromatics of mahogany and sandalwood follow through to supple red licorice, cranberry, cherry and raspberry flavors that are elegant, precise and balanced. Baking spice details of clove and nutmeg persist on the finish. Drink now through 2010."

98pts (2010 vintage) Gourmet Traveler WINE (June 2012) 5-Star
"This is one of Ata Rangi's best ever wines. It has a silken, mouth-filling texture, although the layering of fruit and savory flavors is nearly as appealing. I'm not sure how they can improve on this wine."

90pts (2010 vintage) International Wine Cellar 10/1/2012
"Good medium red. Dark aromas of black cherry, black raspberry and licorice. The palate shows very good cut and underlying spine to the flavors of sweet dark fruits complicated by spices and minerals. Densely packed, serious, deep Pinot with the minerality and energy for mid-term aging. I'd hold this at least three years."