2023 Ata Rangi Potiki Chardonnay
£29.50
“A complex pure bouquet defining minerality and site first then scents of white peach and overripe grapefruit peel, there’s a line pomaceous fruits then barrel spice and fine chalky lees ideas. At ambient to slightly cool temperature this wine performs best with a fine silk-cream touch, acid line and core fruit flavours all in harmony. Fine fruit and wood tannins frame the ideas of minerality as well as adding mouthfeel and length through the palate. Well made, delicious and ready to drink from day of purchase through 2030.”
95 Points, Cameron Douglas MS
“A compact yet rich chardonnay for this vintage, showing cooked apples, pears and hints of smoky aromas and flavors with some grilled oak and flint at the end. Lemongrass and white flowers too. Medium- to full-bodied, this has attractive fruit and a spicy finish. Lots going on here.”
95 Points, James Suckling
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Product Description
Ata Rangi, meaning ‘dawn sky, new beginning’ in Te Reo Māori, is widely regarded to be among New Zealand’s finest, and most sought after, Pinot Noir producers. Longtime winemaker Helen Masters, who joined Ata Rangi in 2003, has played a key role in building this reputation, with Rebecca Gibb MW (Vinous) commenting that she “nails it every year whither the season” making wines that “always manage to balance ripeness of fruit with a delicate hand”. In 2019 Helen was awarded New Zealand Winemaker of the Year by Gourmet Traveller WINE magazine, in recognition of her 16 years working at the estate.
Ata Rangi is owned and managed by Clive Paton, his partner Phyll and sister Alison. In 1980 Clive planted a bare, stony, home paddock at the edge of Martinborough, becoming one of just a handful of people pioneering grape growing in the area.
Their ’Potiki’ Chardonnay, Māori for ‘last born’, is a blend of newer plantings and more established blocks in the Martinborough Terrace. Fermented in 300-litre puncheons and aged for 11 months on lees, it displays impressive poise and focus, derived from the deep alluvial gravel soils. Outside of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, Ata Rangi also dabble in Pinot Gris. Influenced by the wines of Alsace, it is fermented in large barrels, resulting in a wine of lovely weight and texture.
Additional Information
| ABV | 12.5% |
|---|---|
| Bottle Size | Bottle 75cl |
| Colour | White |
| Country | New Zealand |
| Critic Score | 95/100 |
| Drink until | 2031 |
| Style | Still |
| Sweetness | Dry |
| Vintage | 2023 |
