Mt. Difficulty Bannockburn Pinot Noir 2023

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.

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%