Ata Rangi Pinot Noir 2020

Cellar for up to 11 years. No need to decant before serving. Evocatively named “dawn sky” or “new beginning”, Ata Rangi is one of New Zealand’s legendary Pinot Noir producers thanks to the foresight of founder Clive Paton. In 1980 Clive was a young dairy farmer who experienced a sudden mid-life crisis and decided to investigate the potential of the Marlborough region for making wine. A few years earlier he’d come across a scientific study comparing Marlborough’s terroir to that of Burgundy, and despite having no winemaking experience or expertise Clive decided to take a gamble on a new project. Today Clive produces iconic Pinot Noirs which are loved by wine critics and enthusiasts all over the globe. The first encounter reveals intoxicating aromas of cherry liqueur, ripe dark plums and earthy herbal notes, while on the palate there is an abundance of dark berry flavours along with hints of sweet spices and licorice. The bright freshness and soft tannins are carefully balanced by a medium body and long finish which make this wine an ideal match for a rich duck dish or slow-cooked game. Although ready to drink now, this is a wine with ample potential to develop and evolve if matured in ideal cellar conditions over the next decade or so.

Price: £56.11 from 8wines UK