Sleek, ultra-supple tannins support the vivid red fruits, fresh plum-stone and ripe black cherry notes. Dark chocolate and rose scents add intrigue and promise, as do the fine savoury threads which run through the palate. Taut and restrained when young, this vibrant pinot will in time reveal its wilder, earthier side, along with voluptuous fruit spun in a shawl of silky tannins. Serve with lamb, beef, duck, venison, game and cheeses.

Ata Rangi is run by Clive Paton, his wife Phyll and Clive's sister Alison. They are bound by a shared enthusiasm for Pinot Noir and a passion for quality that is evident in their wines. Their Pinot Noir is consistently ranked as one of New Zealand's best.

Ata Rangi's first vineyard, covering just under 5 hectares, was planted in 1980. Today, they harvest from 31.5 hectares.The Pinot Noir is sourced largely from the oldest 'home blocks', now reaching 27 years of age. Abel (aka the 'Ata Rangi clone') is predominant, but Clone 5 (or Pommard) and Dijon clones 114, 115 and 667 also play important supporting roles. If the Pinot is Ata Rangi's Gevrey Chambertin lookalike, their Craighall Chardonnay pays homage to great Meursault.