The vines are now 32 years old, which for New Zealand makes them old bones. Ata Rangi is located in Martinborough, near the South end of the North Island (not to be confused with Marlborough, at the North end of the South Island). The town is Martinborough has about 1500 residents, and a charming Village Square. Roads radiate outwards from the Village Square in the fashion of the Union Jack, and the thing that really sets Martinborough apart is that there is no traffic light for thirty miles!! The founder of Ata Rangi, Clive Paton, must have had some faith, because back in 1980, when he purchased the land, no one thought of Martinborough in terms of wine production, but Clive had seen a report that told of the area’s similar climate to Burgundy. One thing about Martinborough though, it is a good place to fly a kite. Nearby Wellington is a favorite of windsurfers and kite surfers alike.

 

Considered one of a handful of New Zealand’s 5 star producers for Pinot Noir, Ata Rangi has produced a monumental Ata Rangi Pinot Noir 2010. We realize that with the economy as it is, Pinot Noir at around $50 is not on everyone’s radar screen, but we call them as we see them and after trying this wine recently we knew it was something very special.

 

The vintage is playing out to be an exceptional one for Kiwi Pinot Noir and this reputable producer made a stellar offering in 2010. Reviews are just coming out and so far big numbers are already in, Wine Spectator 94 pts and Bob Cambell, Kiwi wine guru and Master of Wine, 96 pts, respectively. With a track record for making notable Pinot Noir consistently, and a great vintage to work with it seems like all things lined up perfectly for Ata Rangi in 2010. We sell this beauty for $47.99 and $42.99 when you purchase 6 bottles or more. Stocks are limited so as always first come first served.