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Anthony Gismondi on Wine
Ata Rangi Pinot Noirtext
91POINTS
16¾/20

Ata Rangi Pinot Noir 2014

Martinborough, Wairarapa, North Island, New ZealandThe Ata Rangi Pinot Noir is the winery’s ‘Grand Cru’ label where only the finest fruit makes the grade. The storied Abel clone, said to have arrived in a suitcase from Burgundy makes up 40% of the blend; the rest is a mix of Clone 5 and several Dijon clones. After a glorious 2013, the ’14 is an excellent vintage. The winemaking is steady and mostly traditional with 25% whole bunch; the remainder destemmed. The pre-soak lasts five days before an indigenous yeast ferment that is hand plunged for 20-26 days. Post ferment, the wine spends 11 months in 35 percent new French oak. The style is bright, the fruit spicy, floral and perfumed but in a complex, structured manner. Chinese five-spice finds its way into the cool, savoury, black cherry fruit. A stylish, elegant style you can drink or hold.Tasted: 10 October 2017Tasted by: Anthony GismondiPrices:
BC$75.99750mlNew District
AB$65.00750mlprivate wine shops
ON$70.00750mlLifford Wine Agency
Producer: Ata Rangi LimitedDistributors: Landmark Selections
Lifford Wine and Spirits
Grape: Pinot NoirUPC: 9421013423067