{"product_id":"mt-difficulty-bannockburn-pinot-noir-2023","title":"Mt. Difficulty Bannockburn Pinot Noir 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct Description:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003eOld vines, wild terrain—Central Otago Pinot at full throttle. \u003c\/em\u003eMt 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlack 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e NOSE\u003cbr\u003e – Spicy and bright\u003cbr\u003e Red and black cherry with Szechuan pepper, cardamom and star anise.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePALATE\u003cbr\u003e – Juicy and layered\u003cbr\u003e Ripe cherry and blueberry meet earthy tones, framed by savoury spice and supple French oak.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFINISH\u003cbr\u003e – Long and fresh\u003cbr\u003e Vibrant fruit and gentle tannins carry through on a juicy, balanced finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviews \u0026amp; Accolades\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003eBlack 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.\u003c\/em\u003e – \u003cstrong\u003eStephen Wong\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cem\u003eThe Real Review\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003e93 Points\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003eGold Medal, 95 Points.\u003c\/em\u003e – \u003cstrong\u003eNew Zealand International Wine Show\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003e2024\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003eThis has deeply perfumed aromas of dark cherries, dried rose petals, cocoa beans and pencil as well as Asian spices and citrus peel.\u003c\/em\u003e – \u003cstrong\u003eJames Suckling\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cem\u003eJamesSuckling.com\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003e95 Points\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFiner Details\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Style - Red Wine\u003cbr\u003e Varietal - Pinot Noir\u003cbr\u003e Country - New Zealand\u003cbr\u003e Region - Central Otago\u003cbr\u003e Vintage - 2023\u003cbr\u003e Bottle Size - 750ml\u003cbr\u003e ABV - 14%\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mt. Difficulty","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45801837002943,"sku":"MTDIBNPN-23","price":65.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0575\/5174\/9311\/files\/d86eee53-413d-4eb9-9a06-94739b0752bc.png?v=1782869094","url":"https:\/\/cbdcellars.sydney\/products\/mt-difficulty-bannockburn-pinot-noir-2023","provider":"CBD Cellars","version":"1.0","type":"link"}