NZ's Ata Rangi Wines Shine at a Dinner with Winemaker Helen Masters
On September 19th and 20th, K&L had the pleasure of welcoming the esteemed and affable winemaker Helen Masters from New Zealand’s Ata Rangi Winery for a memorable tasting series and unique dinner in San Francisco. For an in-depth discussion on Ata Rangi's background and ethos, check out the fantastic write-up by Emma Jenkins, MW for Decanter. Ata Rangi is undeniably one of the top Pinot Noir producers in New Zealand. They were not only recognized in 2010 with the inaugural Tipuranga Teitei o Aotearoa or "Grand Cru of New Zealand" award, but they've earned a reputation for producing wines that are delightfully approachable, expressively terroir-driven, and remarkably age-worthy. Plus, it's hard not to have a great time around Helen, a true champion of the wine industry and wonderful person!
K&L once again partnered with Piccino in San Francisco's Dogpatch neighborhood to welcome 30 guests for a two-part tasting and dinner. The first flight was a vertical of 2018, 2019, and 2020 Pinot Noirs, followed by the star of the show: the first-look release tasting of the brand-new 2020 single-vineyard wines. These wines, from the Kotinga, Master's, and McCrone vineyards, all reflect the care and focus of the Ata Rangi team. It was a treat to hear Helen's perspective on allowing each terroir to shine through. Some might have been surprised to see short rib on the menu to pair with Pinot Noir, but when your wines are as complex, acidity-driven, and age-worthy as Ata Rangi's, you welcome the challenge. The vintage vertical showed Helen’s dynamic nature and ability to roll with the punches and make something that represents a snapshot of their mostly own-rooted vines and unique climate.
As if we needed more proof, Helen further convinced us that the wines emerging from Martinborough are world-class, and we look forward to continuing to share them with you. Stay tuned for more dinners and high-end tastings coming from your home store! And in the meantime, check out some of the gorgeous Ata Rangi wines we currently have on our shelves:
2020 Ata Rangi Pinot Noir Martinborough $64.99 98JS 96VN 95WE
2020 Ata Rangi "McCrone Vineyard" Pinot Noir Martinborough $74.99 97JS 97WE
2020 Ata Rangi "Masters Vineyard" Pinot Noir Martinborough $74.99 97JS 96WA 95DC
2020 Ata Rangi "Pinot Noir Vineyard Selection 2020" Gift Pack Martinborough $299.99
- Chelsea Herhold, Key Accounts Specialist