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750ml - Case of 12
Bottle: $66.84
The 2011 Ata Rangi pinot is an exercise in composure and restraint in a warmer vintage. This is a tight-wound edition...
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96
WA
93
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750ml - Case of 12
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A cooler year expressed as a finer, fragrant pinot for Ata Rangi. Bright perfume, orange zest, pomegranate, light red...
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94
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93
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750ml - Case of 12
Bottle: $67.06
As ever this has an extra dimension and remains the high watermark for New Zealand pinot noir to be measured against....
JS
96
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93
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750ml - Case of 12
Bottle: $59.94
A complex and giving wine that was born of a low-yielding, dry vintage, this is testament to the character of these...
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97
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95
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Bottle: $67.06
TOP 100 NEW ZEALND WINES 2017 #5 - This has all the cherry and spice and perfume that defines this consistently...
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98
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750ml - Case of 6
Bottle: $84.37
Really pristine fruit aromas here with such pure, ripe red cherries and roses, as well as gently earthy and spicy...
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98
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96
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Red
750ml - Case of 6
Bottle: $80.40
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750ml - Case of 6
Bottle: $93.78
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750ml - Case of 6
Bottle: $79.92
Showing very well after this amount of time in the bottle with dried strawberry, bark and seaweed aromas and flavors....
JS
95
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91
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750ml - Case of 6
Bottle: $61.37
A very complete wine with a complex and rich nose of red berries along with some distinct herbs, chocolate, flowers...
JS
95
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750ml - Case of 6
Bottle: $43.03
96-97 The most brooding of the Escarpment pinot noirs. This has a dark, minerally nose with graphite and slate that...
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97
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93

Assyrtiko Pinot Noir Mencia New Zealand Wairarapa 750ml

Cultivated since at least the middle of the Byzantine era, the Assyrtiko grape is generally considered to be one the finest of the Greek grape varietals, as a result of its multi-purpose properties and ability to flourish on a wide range of terrains. The ancient Byzantines used it in conjunction with Aidani and Athiri grapes for the production of their unusual and naturally sweet Vinsanto wines, which are still produced today in Santorini, and continue to be popular. However, the Assyrtiko grapes are used for many different AOC wines across Greece, and are favored by wine makers who want to maintain a dryness and acidic punch to their produce.

The Assyrtiko grapes are renowned for their ability to maintain their acidity as they ripen beneath the blazing Mediterranean sun, resulting in wines which have a distinctive dryness and a range of citrus fruit aromas, as well as great structure and high tannins. Often, Assyrtiko grapes will produce wines which leave an unusual after-taste reminiscent of the mineral rich, volcanic soils they are grown in on the slopes of Santorini, making them a favorite for wine drinkers looking for something full of character and interesting attributes. The past twenty five years have seen Assyrtiko vines planted all over the Greek mainland, and even in Attica and Macedonia, where the softer terrain often produces more fruit forward wines with a milder, less astringent character. However, wherever this fine grape varietal is grown, it is rare the results will be anything less than excellent.

Additional Information on Greek Wines


Greek Wines
Ancient Greek Wines – A Brief History of Wine in Greece
The Myth of Dionysus, Greek God of Wine
What is Retsina?

Regularly described as being the grape varietal responsible for producing the world's most romantic wines, Pinot Noir has long been associated with elegance and a broad range of flavors The name means 'black pine' in French, and this is due to the fact that the fruit of this particular varietal is especially dark in color, and hangs in a conical shape, like that of a pine cone. Despite being grown today in almost every wine producing country, Pinot Noir is a notoriously difficult grape variety to cultivate. This is because it is especially susceptible to various forms of mold and mildew, and thrives best in steady, cooler climates. However, the quality of the fruit has ensured that wineries and vintners have persevered with the varietal, and new technologies and methods have overcome many of the problems it presents. Alongside this, the wide popularity and enthusiasm for this grape has ensured it will remain a firm favorite amongst wine drinkers for many years to come.

As with nearby Australia, New Zealand has over the past century proven itself to be a superb location for producing high quality wines in vast amounts, with much of the cooler regions of both islands being used primarily for vine cultivation. New Zealand wineries are notable for their enthusiasm in regards to experimentation, and for utilizing modern technologies and methods to make the most of the imported grape varietals which flourish in the rich, fertile soils and oceanic climate. In recent years, it has been the New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc wines which have gained the most attention, as a result of their smoky character and ability to carry the mineral rich nature of the terroir they grow in. Changing consumer interests have brought about a considerable rise in the production of organic and sustainable wines in New Zealand, of which again, the Sauvignon Blanc varietals are leading the way in regards to excellence, flavor and overall character.