2018 Ata Rangi McCrone Block Pinot Noir 750ml

Vibrant, high-energy pinot noir with floral, violet, cherry, dried herb, brambles and spicy-oak flavours. An elegant rather than blockbuster wine with the sort of structure and fruit intensity that suggests good ageing potential. BOB CAMPBELL MW

Beautifully aromatic with fresh red berry fruit and floral dried petal notes. The palate is a little reticent at first, but with time, reveals concentrated flavours wrapped up in exquisite, finely grained and carefully judged tannins. Terrific drive and length. Cellar for 2 - 9 years. (97) GOURMET TRAVELLER WINE

ABOUT `ATA RANGI`

One of the pioneers of the region, Clive Paton was one of the first to plant grapes on the Martinborough Terrace in 1980 and the winery has since gone on to become a legend of the New Zealand wine industry. Home of the Gumboot clone of Pinot Noir, a cutting from the vineyards of Domaine de la Romanée Conti allegedly smuggled back into the country by an enterprising Kiwi in a pair of gumboots. In 2010 Ata Rangi was honored with the Tipuranga Teitei o Aotearoa award, New Zealand's equivalent of Grand Cru status and wine-maker Helen Masters consistently produces some of the countrie's finest Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.