Ata Rangi Martinborough Single Vineyard Masters Pinot Noir 2024 (750ml)

A wild, lively and vertical pinot noir, precise and charming, with some forest berries, wild strawberries and a touch of tree moss. The medium-bodied palate reveals fine-grained tannins and an underlying power, driven by a taut, intense stream of acidity and discreet fruit mingling with spices and dried herbs. The long finish is vibrant and flinty.

with sweet and pretty aromas of raspberry, strawberry, violet and lilac, this concentrated pinot turns considerably more reserved and structured on the palate as chalky grip emerges from the earthy tannins and taut, almost saline acidity. The oak is noticeable at this early stage but will absorb into the wine with time. This will likely always retain a good level of tension, even as it ages, keeping the wine fresh and lively even as savoury complexity develops to accompany its charming red fruit and floral expression.

I love the bouquet of this wine with a perfumed, floral purity then fruit, cool red skinned fruit scents of cherry and pacific rose apple skin, roses and violets then earth-smoke of clay and red soils, spices of French oak and a synergy that delivers complexity and seductive charm. A dry wine touches the palate with super fine through chalk-dust textured tannins and a backbone of acidity deliver power and charm. Flavours of raspberry and violets, tart cherry and ripe yellow plum, violet and rose with a whisper of lavender and rosemary. A completely delicious wine with purity and finesse, power and groove. A lengthy finish with a decent palate squeeze of youthful. Best drinking from 2034 through 2041+

Fruity, fresh, bright and energetic. Almost a kind of bubblegummy lift to the wine, not untoward, but noted. Sweet cherry, cranberry drink, licks of blood orange and sweet spice. It lands well in the palate and delivers length and persistence of these characters. A wine of vibrancy and finesse.