Mt. Difficulty, ‘Bannockburn’ Pinot Noir, 2022, Bannockburn (GI)

'One-Liner'
Generous yet beautifully polished Central Otago Pinot Noir, combining ripe cherry and plum with savoury spice, silky tannins and a long, vibrant finish.

Tasting Note
Ripe red and black cherries lead the way, joined by blackberry, dark plum, brown spice and a gently smoky, savoury note. The palate is generous but finely balanced, with bright freshness, a smooth, rounded texture and beautifully fine tannins carrying the dark fruit and spice into a long, graceful finish.

Country: New Zealand
Region: Central Otago
Sub-Region: Bannockburn GI
Grape(s): 100% Pinot Noir
ABV: 14%
Friendly: Vegan, Vegetarian, Sustainable

Awards & Critics' Scores
94 Points – James Suckling
93 Points – Decanter
92 Points – The Wine Advocate

The Story
Mt. Difficulty began in the early 1990s when four neighbouring Bannockburn growers joined forces to make wine under a single name, releasing their first vintage in 1998. Its Bannockburn wines are produced exclusively from estate-owned or closely managed vineyards south of the Kawarau River, where hot summers, cool nights, low rainfall and long autumns provide ideal conditions for expressive Pinot Noir. The 2022 fruit came from vineyards planted across a mixture of sand, clay, loam and gravel soils, with indigenous-yeast fermentation, a measured use of whole bunches and 12 months in barrel helping to build texture and complexity while preserving the wine’s vivid fruit and natural freshness.

Perfect With... (click me for the recipe)
- Meat/fish: Herb-roast saddle of lamb with dauphinoise potatoes
- Vegetarian: Chestnut mushroom pithivier with a dressed green salad
- Vegan: Miso–sesame roasted aubergine with herby couscous