A Martinborough Pinot Noir with Depth, Elegance and a Purpose Beyond the Glass

The 2024 Ata Rangi Crimson Pinot Noir brings together the vibrant, silky character of Crimson and a story rooted in New Zealand's native forests. An inviting introduction to Ata Rangi, it is a wine for the table: refined, expressive and easy to enjoy without demanding a special occasion.

My Wine Man on Ata Rangi

Crimson shares its Martinborough roots with Ata Rangi's flagship Pinot Noir. Originally conceived as a youthful expression of the estate, it has developed a character of its own as the younger vines have matured, gaining depth while retaining its welcoming vibrancy and silky texture. With winemaker Helen Masters guiding the wine, Crimson is more than simply an introduction to the range: it has its own identity and a reason to return to it.

Since its first vintage in 2003, Crimson has supported Project Crimson, helping protect and restore New Zealand's native rātā and pōhutukawa trees. That enduring connection to conservation gives the wine's name real meaning, linking the pleasure of a glass with the landscapes that make New Zealand distinctive.

Tasting Notes

Crimson's appeal lies in the balance between vibrant fruit character and a silky, refined palate. The youthful, fruit-forward personality of its earlier years has evolved towards greater depth, without losing the freshness and approachable character that make it so enjoyable. Expect a Pinot Noir whose texture is as important as its fruit expression, with enough presence for food but without the weight of a heavier red.

Style & Drinking Window

A vibrant, silky Martinborough Pinot Noir with an emphasis on elegance rather than power. Our suggested drinking window is 2026–2029, prioritising its approachable fruit and texture rather than extended cellaring. Serve slightly cool, around 14–16°C. A short 15–20 minute decant is optional; alternatively, let the wine open gradually in the glass over dinner.

Food Pairing

The vibrant fruit character and silky texture of the 2024 Ata Rangi Crimson Pinot Noir make it a beautifully balanced match for New Zealand Waitoa Accredited Free Range Chicken Tenderloin 400g from My Meat Man. The wine's fruit-forward character complements the chicken's delicate flavour, while its refined palate suits the tender, lean texture without overwhelming it, whether lightly pan-seared with thyme, oven-roasted with garlic and mushrooms, or gently grilled and served with a light pan jus.

Keep the seasoning savoury and the sauce light to let both the wine and chicken shine. Mushrooms and fresh herbs are particularly useful additions when you want a little more depth without turning the dish into a heavy meal.

Why This Is a Smart Buy

At HK$249, Crimson offers an accessible way to explore Ata Rangi's Martinborough Pinot Noir pedigree. Its appeal is not just the name on the label: the combination of vibrancy, silky texture and increasing depth makes it a versatile bottle for a relaxed dinner or a thoughtful introduction to New Zealand Pinot Noir. The longstanding support for native forest conservation adds a genuine story, rather than a marketing flourish.

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