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Anthony Gismondi on Wine
Ata Rangi Te Wã Sauvignon Blanctext
92POINTS
17/20

Ata Rangi Te Wã Sauvignon Blanc 2019

Martinborough, Wairarapa, North Island, New ZealandAta Rangi, meaning dawn sky, or new beginning, is the name that Clive Paton, his wife Phyll, and his sister Alison gave this small winery at the southern end of the North Island, in the town of Martinborough. When Clive planted his first vines on the stony sheep-dotted slopes of the region in 1980, he was one of a handful of early wine pioneers to the unproven region (today known as Wairarapa). Te Wã means time and place in Māori, speaking to the distinctive style off the stony, alluvial gravels and the cool climate of the Martinborough Terrace. This was partial whole bunch, partial destemmed fruit fermented on skins in large oak hatch barrels, and then the remaining portions pressed and fermented in oak barrels and small stainless-steel tanks. The result is a layered, complexed wine, with broken stones, lemongrass, wild lemon, green papaya running the long length of this sleek wine, with a light riff of texture keeping things interesting. The finish lingers with subtle wild mint and ginger. A classic, and one to seek out.Tasted: 14 March 2022Tasted by: Treve RingPrices:
BC$31.00750mlprivate wine shops
Producer: Ata Rangi LimitedDistributors: Landmark Selections
Lifford Wine and Spirits
Grape: Sauvignon BlancCSPC: 679332UPC: 9421013421551