{"product_id":"mt-difficulty-bannockburn-pinot-noir","title":"Mt Difficulty Bannockburn Pinot Noir","description":"\u003cp\u003eMt Difficulty Bannockburn Pinot Noir is an iconic expression of Central Otago, capturing the intensity, elegance and distinctive character that have made Bannockburn one of New Zealand's great Pinot Noir destinations. Crafted exclusively from vineyards south of the Kawarau River, this flagship red combines concentrated dark fruit, fine structure and beautifully judged French oak. Sophisticated yet generous, it is an exceptional choice for fine dining, cellaring or premium wine gifting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eTasting Notes \u0026amp; Experience\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDeep ruby in the glass, this elegant Pinot Noir opens with an alluring bouquet of wild bramble, dark Lapin cherry and dried thyme, layered with subtle cardamom and star anise. The palate is succulent and fleshy, unfolding with black cherry, plum and dark berry fruit framed by savoury cedar and finely integrated French oak. Silken tannins and vibrant Bannockburn acidity provide graceful structure, carrying the wine towards a long, beautifully balanced finish of sweet dark fruit, spice and earthy complexity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Details\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWinery:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mt Difficulty\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVarietal:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pinot Noir\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRegion:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bannockburn, Central Otago, New Zealand\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVintage:\u003c\/strong\u003e 2023\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eABV:\u003c\/strong\u003e 14%\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVolume:\u003c\/strong\u003e 750ml\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eViticulture:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sustainably Grown • Estate \u0026amp; Winery-Managed Bannockburn Vineyards\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOther:\u003c\/strong\u003e Gluten-Free • Vegan-Friendly • Screw Cap\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eServe:\u003c\/strong\u003e 14–16°C; allow to breathe before serving\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCraftsmanship \u0026amp; Story\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMt Difficulty emerged from the pioneering spirit that helped establish Bannockburn as one of New Zealand's most celebrated wine regions. Its story began in the early 1990s when the owners of four independent vineyards joined forces under a gentleman's handshake, pooling their fruit to create wines capable of expressing their remarkable shared terroir. Viticulturist Robin Dicey became instrumental in developing these early vineyards, with his son Matt Dicey later guiding the wines through more than two decades as chief winemaker. Today, Greg Lane continues that philosophy of place-driven winemaking. Beneath Mount Difficulty, hot summers, cool nights, long dry autumns and low rainfall encourage slow, even ripening, while free-draining schist and gravel soils naturally restrain vigour. Sustainable viticulture and minimal intervention in the cellar allow this dramatic Central Otago landscape to remain at the heart of every bottle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecial Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMt Difficulty Bannockburn Pinot Noir is defined by two uncompromising criteria: its fruit must come exclusively from Bannockburn vineyards south of the Kawarau River and those vineyards must be managed by the Mt Difficulty viticulture team. This precise sourcing gives the wine a remarkably consistent sense of place, shaped by intense summer sunshine, dramatic day-to-night temperature shifts and long, cool autumns beneath Mount Difficulty. Hand-picked fruit is carefully sorted before fermentation, with indigenous yeasts helping preserve the individuality of each vineyard parcel. Extended maturation on lees in fine French oak builds texture, spice and complexity without overwhelming the purity of the fruit. Bottled in lightweight glass under screw cap, it combines traditional fine-wine craftsmanship with a thoughtful modern approach to sustainability, freshness and long-term cellaring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003ch2\u003eRecognition \u0026amp; Accolades\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMt Difficulty Bannockburn Pinot Noir has earned consistent acclaim from leading critics and wine competitions, reflecting the estate's reputation as one of Central Otago's benchmark Pinot Noir producers. Recent vintages continue to demonstrate impressive depth, precision and regional character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e95\/100 Points\u003c\/strong\u003e – James Suckling (2024 Vintage)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGold Medal\u003c\/strong\u003e – New Zealand International Wine Show 2025 (2024 Vintage)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e95\/100 Points\u003c\/strong\u003e – Bob Campbell MW (2023 Vintage)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e95\/100 Points\u003c\/strong\u003e – Cameron Douglas MS (2023 Vintage)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGold Medal\u003c\/strong\u003e – New Zealand International Wine Show 2024 (2023 Vintage)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e96\/100 Points\u003c\/strong\u003e – Bob Campbell MW (2022 Vintage)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e95\/100 Points\u003c\/strong\u003e – Cameron Douglas MS (2022 Vintage)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGold Medal\u003c\/strong\u003e – National Wine Awards of New Zealand (2022 Vintage)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThese results underline the remarkable consistency of Mt Difficulty's flagship Bannockburn Pinot Noir and its enduring ability to capture the intensity, elegance and distinctiveness of this celebrated Central Otago terroir.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFood Pairings\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMt Difficulty Bannockburn Pinot Noir is superb with slow-roasted duck breast and cherry jus, where its dark fruit, silky tannins and bright acidity mirror the richness of the meat while keeping every mouthful fresh. Wild mushroom risotto with truffle and thyme is equally compelling, echoing the wine's savoury cedar, earthy spice and herbal complexity. For something more robust, pair with herb-crusted lamb, roast beetroot or game birds, while aged Gruyère or Comté provide a beautifully savoury finish that highlights the wine's refined structure and lingering dark-fruited elegance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePerfect for Gifting or Cellaring\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWith its benchmark Bannockburn provenance, refined structure and proven ageing potential, Mt Difficulty Pinot Noir is an exceptional gift for collectors, enthusiasts and lovers of fine New Zealand wine. Equally impressive for milestone celebrations, elegant entertaining or careful cellaring, it offers both immediate pleasure and the promise of greater complexity with time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFast, Secure NZ-Wide Delivery\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOrder Mt Difficulty Bannockburn Pinot Noir online for fast NZ-wide delivery. Every bottle is carefully packed, with premium gift packaging and a personalised message available from COVE 27.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mt Difficulty","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48580866769141,"sku":"1002570","price":44.95,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0128\/9499\/4522\/files\/Mt-Difficulty-Bannockburn-Pinot-Noir.png?v=1786496310","url":"https:\/\/cove27.co.nz\/products\/mt-difficulty-bannockburn-pinot-noir","provider":"COVE 27","version":"1.0","type":"link"}