2021 Ata Rangi Kotinga Pinot Noir

98 Points - Lisa Cardelli, WinePilot
The fruit used in this cuvée is harvested from vineyards on the eastern end of Puruatanga Road, on soils predominantly featuring free-draining gravel. This second release is screaming minerality, with a noticeable graphite-like foreword. Then cinnamon, bramble, a touch of clove, nutmeg, and cedar. Oak and whole bunches are not the only features here, as there is a noticeable amaro, Campari-like note, and aromatic herbs enriching the picture. Again, there is a seaweed-like salty element complemented by a lick of green walnut. It is a highly well-balanced wine; the palate being the exact photocopy of the nose, which, in case you ask, no, it’s not always that obvious. Light on its feet, yet bold. The precise line of acidity is caressing the palate and melting into a persistent length of flavours; having tried this wine from an open bottle from the day before, I see how much the oxygen benefited it. And if the proof is in the pudding, a wine that can stand against oxygen so well, and so effortlessly- and actually improving with air exposure- got the final word.

97 Points, Emma Jenkins MW, Decanter
Bounds out of the glass with a lifted, floral perfume – spicy orange peel notes and plenty of generous fruit. The palate has lots of charm and immediacy, too. Plenty of midweight fruit, lots of vibrancy and energy. A good firm structure, with dry, savoury tannins that nicely offset the springy, spritely fruit. Excellent length. Inviting and ready to enjoy now though well placed to age gracefully. Organic.

97 Points, Mike Bennie, The Wine Companion
This is the second release from the Kotinga vineyard, a site on the edge of the river terrace of Martinborough. Produced in a large (2280L) foudre barrel. It's a striking wine for its tension, Italianate tannin profile, gossamer flow of dark cherry fruit, cranberry lift, pleasing earthiness and alpine herb detail. A gentle seasoning of hazelnut savouriness, too. There's a sense of inward concentration, brooding and dark fruit and spice drive with intent through the wine. All of this flecked with crushed quartz and limestone-like minerality; a crispness through the finish for pleasure. Magnificent, multidimensional and so darn satisfying.