Wine Advocate 91(2018)
 
Undoubtedly one of the best Pinot Noir makers in the famous area of Martinborough, Ata Rangi produces amazing wines year in and year out. This winery was one of the first to plant grapes in this region in 1979. The clone is Dijon and Abel which is now widely known as the Ata Rangi clone in New Zealand. Instead of turning out monotonous wines, the style of the Ata Rangi Pinot Noir is complex, elegant and supple with gorgeous ripeness of red fruit and spice. Wines of Ata Rangi can well be New Zealand’s top treasure to export.
 
The 2018 Crimson Pinot Noir is a blend of fruit from vines up to about 20 years of age. Originally, it was a fruit-forward, young-vines cuvée, but this vintage is cut from sturdier cloth, showing some serious tannins on the finish. It's pretty and perfumed up front, with scents of roses and berry tea, adding raspberries and cherries on the medium-bodied, structured palate. Give it another year or two in the cellar, then drink it over the next 7-8 years.