Mt Difficulty Bannockburn Pinot Noir 2021
SKU
MDBB202112 UCAU
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Head winemaker Matt Dicey helped build Mt Difficulty in 1998, and stayed on as head winemaker, 2018 being his 20th vintage.
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Sourced from varied vineyards across Bannockburn and Mt Diff.
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Dense and dark, ripe fruited notes enrich the palate.
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1 or more bottles$59.99
Editors notes
Perfumed aromatics with a unique clarity. Red and black fruits are immediately on the nose, along with floral notes. On the palate, this wine demonstrates a a good level of precision, plush yet dense flavour, nice textural tannins, sustain fruit and acidity. This will cellar nicely.
Details
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Wine Type
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Vintage
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Variety
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Brand
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Location
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Cellaring
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Closure
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Alcohol Percentage
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Oak Type
Tasting Profile
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Light (Light)Full (Full)
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Low Tannin (Low Tannin)Tannic (Tannic)
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Sweet (Sweet)Dry (Dry)
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Low Acidity (Low Acidity)High Acidity (High Acidity)
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Aroma
- Black Cherry
- Cedar
- Red Fruits
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Palate
- Cedar
- Red Cherry
- Spice
Food Pairings
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Cheese -
Game -
Pork
Critic Scores & reviews
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Mike Bennie
93"(2020 vintage) Dense and dark, ripe fruited, doused with warm, clove and cinnamon spice. IN all that, larger proportions but well judged, brooding, chunky, dry and firm to finish, and up to that a wine of slurpy, dense but elevated pinot. It delivers a true to form expression of Central Otago pinots, in that heftier but well balanced sense."
Other vintages
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Locations
New Zealand
The New Zealand wine industry is one of the younger wine regions in the world, whose popularity grew immensely when Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc hit the world wine scene, quite unique in style when compared to the typical French Sancerre.
Wine is successfully cultivated on both the North and South islands from a latitude of 36 degrees in the North to 45 degrees for the most southerly wine region in the world, the South Island's Central Otago. The majority of regions are located in free-draining alluvial valleys except for Waiheke Island and Kawarau Gorge in Central Otago and benefit from the moderating effect of the maritime climate as no vineyard is more than 80 miles from the ocean. With plentiful sunshine hours and cool evening sea breezes, the grapes thrive.
Sauvignon Blanc is the major white variety people will think of when you mention New Zealand Whites, however fantastic Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer and less commonly Viognier, Chenin Blanc and Pinot Blanc. Pinot Noir is the most widely planted red variety in New Zealand although Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot (Bordeaux Blends), Syrah are also grown and in even smaller amounts, Tempranillo and Montepulcianos can too be found. Sparkling wines of very high standards are also made in New Zealand.
The key wine regions in New Zealand include Auckland, Canterbury, Central Otago, Gisborne, Hawke's Bay, Marlborough and Nelson.
Central Otago
Central Otago, located at the southernmost point of the world where wine grapes are grown, is a remarkable wine-growing region that spans over 4,000 square kilometers on New Zealand’s South Island. This spectacular landscape is surrounded by rugged mountains, glacial lakes, and wide-open valleys, which have earned the region a reputation as one of the most scenic wine destinations in the world.
The region is centered around the bustling tourist hub of Queenstown, which is an ideal base to explore the many world-class wineries and vineyards that dot the countryside. The unique soils in Central Otago are characterized by heavy mineral deposits in silt loams that are unlike any other region in New Zealand, resulting in wines with distinctive flavor profiles and complex structures.
Central Otago is New Zealand's only "continental" wine-growing region, which means it experiences greater diurnal temperature fluctuations than any other region in the country. These large swings between low and high temperatures create ideal conditions for growing Pinot Noir, the flagship red varietal of the region. The long, cool, and dry autumn period also plays a significant role in producing some of the world's best Pinot Noirs, which are known for their fragrant aroma, silky texture, and true fruit intensity.
In addition to Pinot Noir, Central Otago is also renowned for its aromatic whites, particularly Riesling, which can be made in styles ranging from bone-dry to very sweet. Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, and Chardonnay are also produced to a very high standard, reflecting the region's diverse terroir and the skill of its winemakers.
Central Otago's exceptional wines have earned it a place in Jancis Robinson's top five New World wine-producing regions, cementing its status as one of the most exciting and unique wine destinations in the world. With its awe-inspiring natural beauty, welcoming wineries, and world-class wines, Central Otago is a must-visit destination for any wine lover.
About the brand Mt Difficulty
The Mt. Difficulty winery is situated on the famed Felton Road in the sub-region of Bannockburn, Central Otago. Established in 1992, the original group comprised owners of five different vineyards who shared the desire to produce a wine collectively. Today, the company owns some of the oldest vineyards in the region, comprising of six individual plots totaling 40 acres. Within these regions, one finds ideal conditions for the cultivation of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and the aromatic white varietals Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris. The winery's philosophy is to "combine ethical viticulture with minimal intervention allowing the wine to express its personality and reflect its home." Heading up that decree is head winemaker Matt Dicey, who joined the team in 1999. Dicey, a fourth generation winemaker has a Masters Degree in Oenology and Viticulture, making him attuned to Bannockburn's unique microclimate. In the shadow of Mount Difficulty itself, the vines are sheltered from excess rainfall and humidity, yet receive ample sunlight and a long, cool growing season.
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