2001 Ata Rangi Pinot Noir Martinborough

The 2001 growing season had three distinct phases. Before Christmas, conditions were typical, with plenty of nor’west wind and alternately cool and warm spells. Fruit set was surprisingly even and the best we’d yet experienced. After Christmas, summer was exceedingly dry but cool, while later in autumn it was very dry and warm. With these drought conditions, irrigation was essential to maintain the vines and to enable them to ripen the crop. These unusual conditions produced ripe grapes with bright flavours, low pH and, as in 2000, very good balance. GDD 1,150. Sweet, ripe but surprisingly fresh plum aroma. Fragrant and just a little stemmy (though that is just the impression as no whole bunches were used in this vintage). Wonderfully fresh and full of energy. Finest of tannins, still there. Juicy, fresh and amazingly youthful. (JH)

A generally cold spring, including several frosts and even hail, followed by a welcome, warm December. The good flowering weather meant fruit set was very even. After Christmas, summer was exceedingly dry but relatively cool, while March/April were warm, but rain was still scarce. With the drought conditions, irrigation was essential to maintain vine health and to enable crops to ripen. Grapes had bright flavours, and again good levels of natural acidity and low pH's. Another very good vintage of its time following the outstanding 2000. Relative heat units 1250, yield 3.9 t/ha, extract 28 g/l, TA 5.5 g/l, pH 3.57, 5% whole bunch. First bottle oxidised too fast after the cork was pulled. Dark ruby. Lots of age and development and old ladies' handbags on the nose. Lots of juice and charm and vivacious fruit. Very direct. Straight, pure fruit – maybe not too much complexity with the tannins a little disjointed but very good indeed for the era. Long with a peacock-tail finish. (JR)

Very light nose. Lots of acidity. Rather smooth and suave. Opposite of flashy. Good balance. Tannins hidden until the very end. (JR)