Ata Rangi Pinot Noir 2022

Sam Kim, Wine Orbit writes "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"

Stephen Wong MW, The Real Review writes "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."

Cameron Douglas, MS writes "The bouquet is an immediate signature of the Wairarapa, Martinborough and Ata Rangi. Scents of clay and stony brown soils layered between scents of dark red berry scents and barrel spices, fine lees and complexity that can only come from vine age, barrel selection and attention to detail winemaking. Flavours of drying strawberries and cherry flesh, savoury spice layers of clove and vanilla then an abundance of texture from fine polished tannins and acid line that coats the palate with flavour and complexity. A delicious wine to melt your palate into."

Erin Larkin, The Wine Advocate writes "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."

James Suckling writes "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."