Ata Rangi Pinot Noir Trio

Unmistakably Martinborough from the first sniff, with plush, silky black cherry, spiced orange peel and a savoury, brooding depth. Made with no new oak, it’s a remarkably pure expression of site. Dark-fruited but with a negroni-like bitter twist, it combines concentrated fruit with tightly woven structure, bright acidity and angular, defining tannins.

From a later-ripening vineyard, named for longstanding winemaker Helen Masters, this is the most immediately charming of Ata Rangi’s single-vineyard pinots. A pretty, aromatic nose of red cherry, rose and subtle spice is lifted by 70% whole-bunch-fermentation, beautifully integrated. Silky and refined, it glides across the palate, supple and complete, with fresh precision keeping everything in perfect shape.

McCrone’s distinctive power and drive is energetic and beautifully composed here. Deep, expressive dark cherry and black plum come wrapped in peppercorn, spice and earthy complexity. Vibrant and alive, plush and pure but carried by fine, grippy tannins that give impressive structure. Long, mouthwatering and full of momentum, it finishes with dark fruit and spice lifted by subtle freshness. Superb.