Small Sips of New Zealand Pinot Noir

I recently sampled a number of Pinot Noirs primarily from Martinborough and Central Otago. All of these wines are readily available in the United States marketplace.

2006 Ata Rangi Martinborough Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., $44, screw cap. Imported by Epic Wines,Aptos. · Lovely and powerful scents of cooked cherries, smoke and baking spice. Medium-weighted black cherry fruits which are slightly tart and accented with tasty oak. Softly textured and nicely balanced with a pleasing cherry persistence on the dry finish.

Ata Rangi dates to 1980 when Clive Paton planted his first vines. He released his first wines in 1985, but he struggled mightily early on, growing pumpkins and garlic to help meet financial demands. With the contributions of Paton’s winemaker wife, Phyll Pattie, and highly educated winemaker Oliver Masters who is married to Paton’s sister, Alison, the foursome brought Ata Rangi ...

And there's more, including 26 tasting notes for wines from 21 wineries!