Ata Rangi ‘Crimson’ Pinot Noir 2016

It isn’t the flagship pinot from Ata Rangi but boy is this a powerful wine. Impressive to say the least. This is muscular and dense, in a varietal context, with satsuma plum, steel, black cherry and campfire notes bleeding gradually into sweet spice and stem. It’s as intricate as it is integrated. It’s primed with tannin, all spicy and ripe, and it still manages to fan ample flavour out through the finish. It’s all quite remarkable, really. Tasted: July 2017; Alcohol: 13.5%; Price: $38; Closure: Screwcap; Drink: 2018-2024+

Full, deep, dark ruby-red colour with youthful purple hues, a little lighter on the edge. The nose is full and up-front with voluminous aromas of dark raspberries with notes of blackberries, lifted whole berry fermentation plum jam notes, unfolding liquorice and raspberry liqueur elements. This is very primary in expression and very accessible on nose. Medium-full bodied, the palate is rich and plush with succulently sweet and luscious flavours of ripe dark raspberries, blackberries and plums, unfolding red liquorice and raspberry liqueur layers. The fruit is supported by fine-grained, supple tannins and enlivened by fresh background acidity. The mouthfeel is rounded and approachable, the richness carrying the wine to a soft, fruit-laden finish. This is a rich and succulent, primary-fruited Pinot Noir with fine, supple tannins, a rounded mouthfeel and plenty of vibrant, primary energy and freshness. It needs a few months to harmonise, but is already delicious. Serve with Asian and Middle Eastern fare over the next 4-5 years. Hand-picked fruit, clones 5, 10/5, Abel and Dijon clones, vines 5-20 y.o., destemmed and indigenous yeast fermented with a high proportion of whole berries to 13.5% alc., the wine aged 10 months in 20% new French oak. Proceeds of sales of this wine go towards ‘Project Crimson’ for the conservation of the native Rata and Pohutakawa.