Ata Rangi, meaning "dawn sky" or "new beginning" is a small New Zealand winery with a big reputation for serious Pinot Noir. Located at the southern end of the North Island, it is owned and managed by a family trio - Clive Paton, his wife Phyll and his sister Alison. Clive planted his first vines on a small, stony sheep paddock at the edge of the Martinborough village in 1980 as one of a handful of people who pioneered winegrowing in the area.

Stunning and captivating, the wine shows dark berry, warm spice, porcini, and toasted almond characters with an elegant floral overtone. The palate is equally enticing with outstanding concentration and depth, combined with silky flow and beautifully infused fine tannins, making it wonderfully structured with finesse and sophistication. Gorgeously proportioned and harmonious with a sustained, graceful finish. At its best: 2027 to 2042. Date: Feb 2025; Rating: 98 Points; Sam Kim, Wine Orbit

Beautifully detailed, dark red fruit sits amidst layers of highly complex, earthy savouriness. This mid-weight pinot is exquisitely balanced with a dynamic interplay of air-dried strawberries, oriental spice bazaar, exotic tropical fruit and medicinal herbs across its elegant, intricate palate. Finely etched acidity and sleek tannins provide tension and a persistent grip which draws attention to its remarkable length. Gentle waves of flavour reprise across the palate, displaying finesse, clarity and precision without being clinical. Not a blockbuster by any means and though approachable now, it will gracefully age in the long term by virtue of its balance and elegance. Date: Apr 2025; Rating: 96 Points; The Real Review

Raspberry, red cherry, almond, dried rose with a sprinkle of herb perfume and peppery spice. It’s medium-bodied, has a cool and steely quality, a fine emery board grip to tannin, a juicy blood orange tang, plenty of sap and energy on a bright finish of excellent length. Delicious. Strawberry and wet paperbark grip, and there’s just a bit of extra energy and life to this wine that gets me in. Excellent. Date: Aug 2025; Alcohol: 13.5%; Closure: Screwcap; Drink: 2027-2038+; Rated: 96 Points; Gary Walsh; The Wine Front