Ata Rangi Crimson Pinot Noir 2009

Ata Rangi Crimson Pinot Noir 2009 (Martinborough, NZ)
14%, Screwcap, $35
Source: Wine List
www.atarangi.co.nz

Noble concepts here

‘Crimson’ is ostensibly the second label Pinot Noir for Ata Rangi, sourced from younger vines but still made in the Ata Rangi house style. Proceeds from the sale of this also go towards ‘Project Crimson’, a conservation project setup to replant the Pohutukawa – the ‘New Zealand Christmas tree’.

It’s normally a reliable little number is the Crimson, if somewhat simpler than the sexy ‘I’m New Zealand’s best Pinot Noir dammit’ Ata Rangi Pinot Noir. Not sure if it’s quite ‘got it’ this year as it just looks, well, a little bit sappy and monochromatic for mine.

Glossy ruby red cherry colour. Sappy, bright, pure simple fruit nose. No question about the variety here – Pinosity  a go-go and Martinborough Pinosity at that (which is my favourite flavour of Kiwi Pinosity). Still, it’s a sweet fruit, plum and glace cherry nose. Slightly sappy, surprisingly high high acid, creamy vanilla edged palate, with a rather dry, but stunted and awkward pointed finish.

That awkward, sappy, slightly holey palate is the ultimate drainer methinks. It just stops you falling in love really, particularly when placed in the context of it’s big brother which combines plushness, power and acid in all the right doses. Should improve in the bottle though.. 16.9/89+