Pinot Noir 2001
A warm, very dry autumn paved the way for a superb 2001 vintage. On the nose thereís a treasure trove of seductive aromas - sweet summer plums, plump black cherries, hints of coffee/chocolate and exotic spice. The texture is firm, with fine-grained yet sinewy, supple tannin supporting and balancing the characteristic Ata Rangi opulence and rich, lingering flavours. Older vintages show truffles and violets and an earthy, hedonistic, gamey complexity. Well cellared, this wine will also reward as the more savoury nuances evolve and it will undoubtedly be even more beguiling, more alluring after 4 or 5 years. $60
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Craighall Chardonnay 2001
Craighall is pressed from the low-yielding Mendoza clone of Chardonnay. With its typical ëhen-and-chickení fruit set ñ tiny, very sweet berries interspersed with the normal size ones - flavours are often riper and more intense. The tightly structured 2001 vintage is rich, beautifully integrated wine with layered complexity, fresh-lit match-stick, toasty, figgy, nutty notes, and freshly baked apple pie characters. $38
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Petrie Chardonnay 2001
Craighall is pressed from the low-yielding Mendoza clone of Chardonnay. With its typical ëhen-and-chickení fruit set ñ tiny, very sweet berries interspersed with the normal size ones - flavours are often riper and more intense. The tightly structured 2001 vintage is rich, beautifully integrated wine with layered complexity, fresh-lit match-stick, toasty, figgy, nutty notes, and freshly baked apple pie characters. $38
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Sauvignon Blanc 2002
Bright, joyful, astonishingly intense fruit - Oliver considers this release of Sauvignon his best-yet. Gorgeous in-your-face aromas and flavours flood the palate (think passionfruit, golden kiwifruit, honeydew melon) and then stretch out tantalisingly on the finish. Yields were low at around 3 T/acre, giving real concentration and palate weight. Respect and demand for the slightly riper but still racy style of Sauvignon which Martinborough does so well is growing fast. SORRY, NOW SOLD OUT. $20
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Célèbre 2001
Bright, joyful, astonishingly intense fruit - Oliver considers this release of Sauvignon his best-yet. Gorgeous in-your-face aromas and flavours flood the palate (think passionfruit, golden kiwifruit, honeydew melon) and then stretch out tantalisingly on the finish. Yields were low at around 3 T/acre, giving real concentration and palate weight. Respect and demand for the slightly riper but still racy style of Sauvignon which Martinborough does so well is growing fast. SORRY, NOW SOLD OUT. $20
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Syrah 2001
Syrah, stylish and sophisticated, has played a key supporting role in every vintage of Ata Rangi CÈlËbre since 1986. This limited release íSolo Debutí of Ata Rangi Syrah should appease those writers and retailers whoíve tried the wine from barrel! The nose is rich, aromatic and brambly, and there are distinct black pepper and chocolate/licorice notes. The palate shows good concentration of blackcurrant and plum and berry fruits. Dark and deliciously complex. SORRY, NOW SOLD OUT. $40
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Lismore Pinot Gris 2002
Luscious pear and poached quince aromas mingle with the nutty, spicy complexities typical of this delicious variety. Harvested super-ripe at 26 Brix, thereís just a little residual fruit sweetness which fattens and adds weight and viscosity to the juicy mid palate. 20% was cool fermented in oak barrels, the remainder in tank. Lismore Vineyard, owned by Ro and Lyle Griffiths, is located on the northern edge of the Martinborough Terrace. $28
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Summer Rosé 2002
The Summer RosÈ 2002 fruit was vibrant, clean and red-wine ripe. The resulting wine with its pretty, light red hue is crammed with the flavours of summer. Watermelon, redcurrants, strawberries- and-cream are there in abundance, and follow right through to the finish. Made from Pinot Meunier and Cabernet Sauvignon juice, it is intended for drinking while still young and fresh. Very popular in local cafÈs and available at Raffles in Singapore! Stock up for the holiday season. Serve chilled. $18
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Kahu Botrytis Riesling 2002
Kahu vineyard, owned by neighbours Gerald and Juliet Hensley and planted in Riesling and Cabernet Sauvignon, is now leased to Ata Rangi. The name ëKahuí was inspired by a beautiful, bronze-coloured hawk which can often be seen hovering above the vines there. The 2002 vintage looked to be perfect for ënoble rotí in Riesling ñ early season rain followed by a long, dry autumn. Our wait-and-see approach paid off ñ the grapes were deliciously sweet, syrupy and raisin-shrivelled. Luscious lemon-honey and dried apricot/peach characters feature in this fresh, beautifully balanced, succulent dessert wine. 375 ml. SORRY, NOW SOLD OUT. $28
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