PRODUCER PROFILE: ATA RANGI
1 Ata Rangi, Masters Chardonnay 2021 93
atarangi.co.nz A little more upfront and generous than the 2020, but with the same nutty/white peach profile, and minerally-savoury persona. A flick of pink grapefruit reduction here, too. Palate has a taut, citrussy style, bright acidity and good concentration and length.
Needs more time to properly open up and relax. Drink 2024-2032 Alcohol 13%
2 Ata Rangi, Potiki Chardonnay 2021 92
atarangi.co.nz A slight change in emphasis from the 2020, a cooler expression with more obvious citrus notes on the nose, plus sizzled butter, nuts and a hint of oak spice. Lithe and silky, lemony fresh, perhaps just a touch less concentrated than the 2020 but that’s being picky. Drinking nicely now, no great hurry. Drink 2024-2030 Alc 13.5%
£94.99 Liberty Wines Very upfront with lots of spice and florals (this wine is winemaker Helen Masters’ ‘Negroni’), but there’s a savoury, quite brooding presence beneath it all – forest floor and bloody meat. Complete and consistent from start to finish, this is not a big wine but it has plenty of presence. Dry, structured finish, very long. 65% whole bunch. Drink 2024-2035 Alc 13.5%
£71.99 Fortnum & Mason, Mann Fine Wine, Noble Green, NY Wines Very perfumed and pretty, with orange blossom, cloves and lots of bright fruit –more red than black. An earthy spiciness emerges with time in the glass. Quite taut across the palate with delicacy and finesse that belies the concentration (and exuberant nose). Fine silky tannins and a good build to the finish. A baby. 40% whole bunch. Drink 2024-2035 Alc 13.9%
3 Ata Rangi, Pinot Noir 2019 94
£67.99 Hedonism, Mann Fine Wine, Philglas & Swiggot, The Wine Reserve Bright and lively, with red fruits, Campari spice, earth and a lovely floral lift. Youthful and very compact in structure, this is still fairly shy but with a juicy core of fruit and a delicate thread of firm tannins. Needs time to open up, but this is sure-footed and supple, with plenty of concentration and length. Drink 2024-2035 Alc 13.5%
atarangi.co.nz A much more buttoned-down nose; sweet hay
