Ata Rangi Crimson 375ml 2019

I loved the old label, what a classic it was, and the new one is what I’d call ‘interesting’. Puts me in mind of WW2 Japan, with that bold graphic style.

You quite often have to enjoy a slightly more bitter, chewy style of Pinot with Crimson, though I must say I quite enjoy that as a point of difference. This offers Earl Grey tea, tamarillo and smoky dried herb, in with ripe cherry. It’s quite sappy and packed with orange peel, grainy tannin, and a chicory-laced finish of good length, but dry feel. Somewhat overt in bitterness, and an individual style here. Better with another year or two under its belt, probably. Gary Walsh, The Wine Front.