Ata Rangi Chardonnay Potiki 2024

Description

Undoubtedly one of the best Pinot Noir makers in the famous area of Martinborough, Ata Rangi produces amazing wines year in and year out. This winery was one of the first to plant grapes in this region in 1979. The clone is Dijon and Abel which is now widely known as the Ata Rangi clone in New Zealand. Instead of turning out monotonous wines, the style of the Ata Rangi Pinot Noir is complex, elegant and supple with gorgeous ripeness of red fruit and spice. Wines of Ata Rangi can well be New Zealand’s top treasure to export.

The 2022 Pōtiki Chardonnay is a collation of younger vine material from around the Ata Rangi vineyards. “As a season, 2022 was tricky. It had less diurnal shifts and more rain than 2021,” says Winemaker Helen Masters. The wine, however, feels a triumph in this glass. It’s spicy, layered and restrained, with creamed nuts, white peach, stewed apples and shaved fennel, mandarin oil and a sprinkling of custard powder. It is pure, in its way. It went through a fully wild ferment, unsulfured until racking/bottling and full malolactic fermentation. There’s a purity to the flow of flavor here. It’s lovely. Helen and I discussed Chardonnay and style, and it was a fascinating conversation. This is a person who understands the importance of place, identity and expression. 12.5% alcohol, sealed under screw cap. Wine Advocate 93 (2022)