Ata Rangi, Martinborough (New Zealand) Pinot Noir 2012

Martinborough on New Zealand’s Northern Island and Central Otago on the Southern Island are the places for Pinot Noir in that, although you’d get an argument from the growers in Marlborough for failing to include that region.  But no one would disagree that Ata Rangi is one of the country’s star producers.  Crimson is Ata Rangi’s second label for wine made from younger vines, ten to twenty years old.  Lip-smackingly good now, it has marvelous complexity, especially for a “second” wine, with an engaging mixture of sweet and savory elements.  Crimson reflects just how great a producer Ata Rangi is.