Ata Rangi Martinborough Pinot Noir 2020

Undoubtedly one of New Zealand's finest Pinot Noirs, but not from Otago. Ata Rangi hails from Martinborough, tucked away at the bottom of the North Island. There, in this lesser-known but still prestigious region, something rather special has been crafted. After fermentation, it's left to mature in lightly toasted oak barrels for 11 months, enough time to gain a touch of refinement without being over the top. Expect a sophisticated mix of plum, redcurrants, and fresh herbs, alongside some understated savoury notes. The fine tannins give it a sense of structure, while the finish lingers long enough to make you pause. It's a wine that doesn't shout for attention, but quietly demands it. And if you've the patience to stash it away for a few years, you'll be rewarded with something truly splendid.

While drinking well now it has plenty of years to further improve and will develop and change over time.

The small town of Martinborough at the southern end of New Zealand's North Island, inland from the capital Wellington, is the centre of a small wine region known for its top-quality Pinot Noir. It's where Ata Rangi is based and indeed they were among the pioneers of this region which is rivals better-known Central Otago as a centre of excellence for Pinot Noir. The first plantings were made by owner Clive Paton back in 1980 on a stony, free draining site on the outskirts of the town. Here, he reckoned, was good terrain for making quality wine and would give him the chance to achieve his ambition to be become a first-rate vigneron. Clive is still at the helm and over the years been joined by his sister Alison, wife Phyll and winemaker Helen Masters. Between them they've built the enterprise into one of the southern hemisphere's most respected Pinot Noir producers.