Ata Rangi Pinot noir 2005
Martinborough, New Zealand. 13.5% alcohol. Screwcap. Approx $A60
Tasting note for Ata Rangi Snr, as promised for GW and also WBW#32. After the wait and trying the 05 and 06 versions of the cheaper Crimson, I must admit to being slightly underwhelmed.
It is quite lovely in the mouth - balanced, textured, long and expansive, but the nose is quiet and one dimensional at this point in time. I suspect it will improve with patience.
Plum, stalk, sap and char. I wanted more. Where was the finesse and beauty? Much better in the mouth. Lush, rich, and juicy - like sucking on cherry pips. Like the Crimson there was a fleeting, but more integrated sarsaparilla which seems to pep and lift. The tannins and finish are excellent - sensuous, malt flavoured, soft but firm, caressing, long and expansive.
Very good - excellent.
17.7/20 (93/100).
Drink 2009-2012.
technorati tags: wine, new zealand wine, pinot noir
4 comments:
Excellent. Should improve though. I have one out to get to sometime over the next year..
GW
I think (hope) it will be better in time too.
Im tempted to try an earlier vintage in the next few months for comparison.
Yes. May I suggest you open a 2002...I have been meaning to try that one too.
GW
Brilliant photo Ed. At first glance I thought it was a billiard ball. Check my blog on 16th for the round up. The response has been huge so I'm a busy bee this week.
Post a Comment