Ata Rangi Masters Pinot Noir 2020

96 POINTS - Aaron Brasher, The Real Review
"An incredibly classy wine. There’s an exotic-ness radiating from it as well as fragrance and supreme structure. This is sourced from Helen Masters’ own vineyard, some 4 km south of the Martinborough Terrace, on alluvial gravels with a high clay content. It was planted in 2001 and purchased by Helen and her family in 2015. There’s 70% whole bunch delivering some exotic, bunchy wildness as well as dark fruits, spice and bramble. The tannins are textured and granular and the length is hugely impressive. Benchmark gear. "

96 POINTS - Erin Larkin, Robert Parker Wine Advocate
"The 2020 Masters Pinot Noir is immediately aromatically distinct from the other wines here. It leads with a floral/orange blossom character on the nose, with blood, graphite, cherry, sumac and cracked cumin seeds. It’s one thing for Pinot to taste good, but it’s a whole other level of experience for it to smell good; and I feel I could smell this all day. On the palate, the wine is weighty and wide, blanketing the tongue and feeling cohesive and harmonious. The whole bunch character here works structurally, without leaving any distinct whole bunch characters. It’s really great, pleasurable, distinct and exciting. It’s a full 360-degree experience, with weight, aroma, flavor, spool of acid, saliva, etc. Kirsch is through the finish. 13.5% alcohol, sealed under screw cap."

A full effusive nose with aromas of cherry and damson plum, star anise and violet mingle with hints of cardamon. The aromas carry through on the palate with flavours of dried thyme, nutmeg and pink peppercorn. The clay brings a deeper timbre to this single site Pinot Noir, with the expanse of texture being a central theme in this wine. Fine tannins buoyed by supple acidity spread the full length of the palate, fresh and elegant, this wine has a clear and unique voice of place.