Family Article
Ata Rangi Pinot Noir McCrone
Last edited on 6/9/2018 by LindsayM
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Although our McCrone Vineyard is situated just a stone’s throw away, the site has a distinctly different soil profile from our Home Block and other vineyards closer to the terrace edge.
A seam of clay along the boundary of the vineyard fans out through the gravels, creating fine layers between the stones. This clay holds moisture, keeping the soil cooler, which gives the wine a notably spicy fruit character and a full, textured palate. It has lifted aromas of clove, red liquorice and ripe raspberry. Time in bottle has allowed the wine
to develop a beguiling savoury truffle note with a hint of dried herb. The palate is vivacious, with generous tannins completing the finish - and best of all, we’ve done the cellaring for you."
Vines for the McCrone Vineyard were planted in 2001. Clonal material is a mix of the Ata Rangi Abel clone, Dijon clones and Clone 5. While these vines are obviously younger than those which generally go into the Ata Rangi label, the wine has the advantage of an extra 3 years bottle age before release. The vineyard was originally owned by Don and Carole McCrone who also own a 10 acre pinot noir vineyard in Yamhill, Oregon, the fruit off which is purchased by Ken Wright Cellars. Ken Wright Cellars specialise in single vineyard pinots. Clive Paton and the Ata Rangi team developed the Martinborough block for the McCrones and later purchased the vineyard.
A seam of clay along the boundary of the vineyard fans out through the gravels, creating fine layers between the stones. This clay holds moisture, keeping the soil cooler, which gives the wine a notably spicy fruit character and a full, textured palate. It has lifted aromas of clove, red liquorice and ripe raspberry. Time in bottle has allowed the wine
to develop a beguiling savoury truffle note with a hint of dried herb. The palate is vivacious, with generous tannins completing the finish - and best of all, we’ve done the cellaring for you."
Vines for the McCrone Vineyard were planted in 2001. Clonal material is a mix of the Ata Rangi Abel clone, Dijon clones and Clone 5. While these vines are obviously younger than those which generally go into the Ata Rangi label, the wine has the advantage of an extra 3 years bottle age before release. The vineyard was originally owned by Don and Carole McCrone who also own a 10 acre pinot noir vineyard in Yamhill, Oregon, the fruit off which is purchased by Ken Wright Cellars. Ken Wright Cellars specialise in single vineyard pinots. Clive Paton and the Ata Rangi team developed the Martinborough block for the McCrones and later purchased the vineyard.