Ata Rangi, Pinot Noir, Martinborough 2021

Lively and vibrant red fruits of wild strawberries and red cherries followed by rose hips, ground spices and a touch of citrus zest. Medium-bodied, finely grained velvety tannins with a delightful acid backbone. Zesty and layered wine with beautiful balance and complexity. It’s already enjoyable but will age gracefully.

The 2021 Pinot Noir is vibrant on the nose and totally precise and focused. The acid spools right from the front of the palate and has a mobile, agile way about it. The season may have had its challenges, but the wine is effortless, natural and shapely. It's great. The 40% whole bunch here sits well within the red fruit and creates a capacious mid-palate, without an impact of stalky flavor. Superb. A real pleasure to drink. 14% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.

The 2021 Pinot Noir definitely reflects the vintage. Its good color and abundance of gravelly tannins display the smaller berried, smaller vintage. Its bright fruit, intense concentration and plentiful acidity accompany primary red fruit flavor, with an impressive show of ample black tea leaf-like tannins. It's a wine for the long haul that draws out on the extended finish. To be released in 2024.