Description
Product Description: Old vines, wild terrain—Central Otago Pinot at full throttle. Mt Difficulty’s 2023 Bannockburn Pinot Noir is the product of some of the region’s earliest vines, first planted in 1998. These mature sites—now well-settled in the dry, low-humidity slopes beneath Mount Difficulty—bring depth and drive to a wine that confidently wears its place. Central Otago’s harsh beauty is all over this Pinot: expressive, structured, and unapologetically bold. The vineyard sits in the shadow of the mountain that gave the label its name—a nod to a group of 19th-century drovers thwarted by the steep Kawarau Gorge. That rugged energy finds its way into the glass. Winemaker Greg Lane builds on that foundation, letting vibrant fruit and spice speak loud and clear. Black cherry, Szechuan pepper, star anise, and sweet oak line the palate, with vivid acidity ensuring cellar potential. Drink now with duck, chargrilled mushrooms or miso-glazed salmon—or let it mellow through 2030 and beyond. The Maker Mt Difficulty was born in Bannockburn in the early 1990s when five vineyard owners—known as the Gang of Four”—shook hands on a partnership that would change the course of Central Otago wine. Their first Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, released under the Mt Difficulty label in 1998, immediately signalled the promise of the region and set the stage for a new benchmark in New Zealand winemaking. By 2004, Mt Difficulty Wines Ltd was formally established, with most of the original vineyards brought into company ownership. For two decades, winemaker Matt Dicey was central to shaping the house style, building a reputation for deeply expressive Pinot Noir and finely tuned white varietals. In 2021, South Australian-born Greg Lane took the helm as Chief Winemaker. With global experience spanning France, Italy, the United States, and New Zealand, Lane brings both technical mastery and a deep respect for Central Otago’s singular terroir. Named New Zealand Young Winemaker of the Year in 2018, he continues to guide Mt Difficulty with a steady focus on precision, purity, and site expression. Philosophy Mt Difficulty’s philosophy has always been grounded in the land. Bannockburn, with its continental climate, stark diurnal shifts, and mineral-rich soils, offers one of the few environments outside Burgundy where Pinot Noir finds its true voice. Early plantings here now rank among the oldest in the region, giving the wines a natural concentration and layered complexity that can only come with vine age. Central to the winemaking approach is the belief that each vineyard should speak for itself. From the home blocks in Bannockburn to sites in Gibbston, Lowburn Valley, and Bendigo, the team pursues single-vineyard bottlings that highlight subtle differences in soil, aspect, and climate. This site-first focus extends beyond Pinot Noir, with Riesling, Pinot Gris, and Sauvignon Blanc forming part of the core range, alongside exploratory plantings of Chenin Blanc and Syrah. The name itself carries the story of persistence. Mt Difficulty overlooks the Cromwell Basin, named by early settlers who found the terrain too treacherous to drive their sheep through. It remains a fitting emblem for a winery that embraces challenge, continually testing the limits of what is possible in one of the world’s most dramatic wine landscapes. Tasting Notes NOSE – Spicy and bright Red and black cherry with Szechuan pepper, cardamom and star anise. PALATE – Juicy and layered Ripe cherry and blueberry meet earthy tones, framed by savoury spice and supple French oak. FINISH – Long and fresh Vibrant fruit and gentle tannins carry through on a juicy, balanced finish. Reviews & Accolades Black cherry and charry oak share the stage in this forward, generous, fruit-driven style with velvety tannins and ripe fruit throughout. Accessible and plush with a soft finish, this is a drink-now proposition with mid-term ageability. – Stephen Wong, The Real Review, 93 Points Gold Medal, 95 Points. – New Zealand International Wine Show, 2024 This has deeply perfumed aromas of dark cherries, dried rose petals, cocoa beans and pencil as well as Asian spices and citrus peel. – James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com, 95 Points Finer Details Style – Red Wine Varietal – Pinot Noir Country – New Zealand Region – Central Otago Vintage – 2023 Bottle Size – 750ml ABV – 14%
