Ata Rangi Kotinga Pinot Noir 2024

95 POINTS - The Real Review "Sappy fruit aromas of redcurrant, vine tomato, blackberry and rosehip are joined by a whiff of dried herbs and anise. This is openly accessible with a broadly concentrated palate and excellent density of flavour, ranging from dried herb to earthy, warm spice and generous small berry fruit. It finishes with generosity and even a hint of wildness with ripe, mouth-coating, cocoa-like tannins and tangy acidity providing balance and length. This approachable yet elegant pinot noir can be enjoyed now or over the coming decade as it gets smoother and more savoury." 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.