Mt Difficulty

Mt Difficulty SV 'Long Gully' Pinot Noir 2013 Bannockburn Central Otago
Complex, ripe and very giving bouquet of site with juicy black cherry, dark rose and soft wild herb, a mix of soil and mineral suggestions then a mix of toasty spicy oak tones; overall very engaging and complex. On the palate - intense, youthful, dry and specific; flavours of wild and ripe red berry fruits laced with some indigenous soft herb and floral moments; plenty of oak; medium+ acidity and tannins with fine textures. A long finish, but a tense and focused one too. Decant for service from 2017 or age longer and serve from 2019 through 2027.
96 Points

Mt Difficulty SV 'Pipeclay Terrace' Pinot Noir 2013 Bannockburn Central Otago
A delightfully fragrant bouquet loaded with aromas of sweet spring rose, juicy ripe red berry fruits led by raspberry and darker cherry; sweet new oak and soft barrel spices. There's plenty of mineral tones too with a mix of clay and stony rocky suggestions. On the palate - tense, fruity and highly textured with fine dusty/chalky tannins and medium+ acidity; flavours of red berry fruits with raspberry, strawberry compote and cherry-ish notes; the floral layer returns as does a measure of soil; very long finish and totally enjoyable example. Decant for service or cellar then enjoy from 2018 through 2028.
97 Points

Mt Difficulty SV 'Mansons Farm' Pinot Noir 2013 Bannockburn Central Otago
A classic Mt Difficulty Noir bouquet with dark red berry fruit laced with wild dried herb and bracken undergrowth, dusty clay and crushed rock mineral notes and plenty of oaky moments - overall youthful and quite complex. On the palate - dry, firm, fruity and tense - a youthful wine with firm tannins and plenty of acidity, flavours of  darker red berry fruits follow wrapped in some new oak; all this leads to a long yet firm finish; Great potential overall. Drink from 2018 through 2027 - decanting recommended.
95 Points