MT. DIFFICULTY, BANNOCKBURN PINOT NOIR
CENTRAL OTAGO, NEW ZEALAND
Why Buy: Many critics have called 2020 the vintage of the century in New Zealand (in marked contrast to Australia and California, the growing season was excellent), and this single-vineyard, minimal-intervention, low-yield bottling from the terroir-focused Mt. Difficulty is among the creme of a very acclaimed crop – one of the best value Pinot Noirs you're going to find anywhere, with a drinkability, depth, and intensity that will keep it in regular rotation at your table.
What They're Saying: James Suckling enumerated its many virtues in a 93-point paean: "Inviting aromas ... lovely spicy complexity ... [and] silky tannins [that] guide the way for the well-ripened red fruit, alongside ground spice, paprika, nutmeg, coriander and fennel seed."
The Story: Mt. Difficulty is the very definition of a passion project – and a somewhat improbable one. In the early 1990s, four vineyard owners joined forces with nothing more than a handshake. Their goal? To make world-class wines that would honor the extraordinary Central Otago terroir. Today, the so-called "Gang of Four" is universally hailed as a pioneer in Central Otago, and Mt. Difficulty has become a star, not just of its native Bannockburn, but of the New World stage. Drawing its grapes from some of the oldest and best-sited vineyards in the country, it produces a rich, silky, and complex Pinot Noir that marries New World fruit and freshness with Old World character and elegance.
The Specs: Of greatest note, the barreled wine resided on full lees for 12 months, deepening its character and softening its texture.
Our Tasting Notes: One of the calling cards of Mt. Difficulty Pinot Noirs is their vibrance and energy, and this one abounds in both qualities. But what kept us coming back to it in our tasting was that that exuberance was supported by gentle oaking and balanced with subtle spice and gentle tannins. And the finish, for a bottle of this price, knocked our socks off – so long and gorgeous we had to restrain ourselves from immediately taking that next sip.
What to Pair It With: Roast turkey, grilled salmon, lamb chops, Brussels sprouts with bacon, most ripe, soft cheeses.
Fun Fact: South Island, the source of grapes for this bottling, has a micro-climate that has drawn wide comparison to Burgundy.
Our Guarantee: We always buy and source direct, so rest assured: your wine will arrive in your hands with pristine provenance. Secure your order today!
*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Fall 2023. With the supply chain issues that we are seeing globally, there may be some unforeseen delays which could affect the ETA. All sale prices are the lowest available at Total Wine & More and ONLY valid through Concierge Sales. No further discounts or coupons may be applied. Offer not valid in CT, GA, IN, KY, LA, MA, MI, MN, MO, NJ, NM, NY, or TN. This offer is for ONE WEEK, or until sold out, and will expire on Sunday, July 30th, 2023.
*Due to limited storage space for pre-ordered product, we can only hold orders for 30 days from the first notification that your order is ready for pickup. If you are unable to pick up your order within 30 days, please contact Concierge Sales at (855) 841-2752 or conciergesales@totalwine.com to make an arrangement. A store associate may reach out periodically to notify you of your order. Unfortunately, if no arrangements have been made, after 30 days, the order will need to be cancelled and we will provide a full refund. No orders will be cancelled without multiple communication attempts.
