Here, very briefly, is my take on the 2009 Ata Rangi 2009 Crimson Pinot Noir. Scroll down further for more detail.
A little more detail...
On the nose, this wine shares aromas of bright, ripe red and black cherries, carnations, sweet spice, a sense of something meaty, and the forest floor (I called it wood in the video, but what I meant was the woods...sorry for any confusion).
On the palate, the Crimson bursts with bright cherries, floral qualities, a hint of licorice, a little bit o' tobacco, and the earthiness I happen to love. It is silky, with great acidity and a very nice, long-lasting finish.
The 2009 Crimson clocks in at 14% ABV and around $17 for the half bottle (375ml) at Whatcom Wine & Spirits and $28 for the full bottle (750ml) at Signature Liquor Store.
The half bottle is a nice size for trying a new wine or for sharing in a gift basket or Christmas goody bag. In addition, it's handy to have the small bottles around (with their screw-cap closures) to use when you want to save other wine you didn't happen to finish. Storing left-over wine (apparently, there really IS such a thing as left-over wine) in a smaller bottle helps to keep it fresher, longer. Really.
While I am happy to sip this solo, it really is a good food wine--one I am happy to buy again. I'll serve the rest of this small bottle with our roasted chicken at supper tonight.
Sales of this wine help support the Project Crimson charitable trust in its effort to protect and enhance New Zealand’s pohutukawa and rata trees.
Cheers, all!
Copyright © 2011 Kathleen Rake. All rights reserved.
