2022 Mt. Difficulty Pinot Noir, Bannockburn, New Zealand (750ml)

Spices, dark berries, strawberries, slate and lemon blossoms. Medium-bodied, creamy and spicy. Flavorful finish. Bright and vivid. Drink now.

- James Suckling, 94 pts. 

The consistent quality Mt Difficulty achieves with this wine really is quite impressive, particularly since is one of the biggest volumes in the region. It might not be the most complex or concentrated, but it absolutely ticks all the boxes for a stylish, generous Central Pinot. Packed with cherries and charm, it has an uncomplicated ripe fruit silkiness, with good finesse. Sappy tannins and well-judged acidity keep it all in line. Sourced from a mixture of estate-owned and managed Bannockburn vineyards on the southern side of the Kawarau River. Vegan.

- Decanter, 93 pts. 

The 2022 Bannockburn Pinot Noir hails from a warm vintage, and as a result, the wine is open armed and fresh. The fruit is supple and plump in the mouth, and the tart acidity in the 2021 is missing in 2022. This is attractive. The wine has an effortlessness about it. There is plum compote, cranberry, pink peppercorn, tapenade and brine. It's a lovely wine, balanced and ductile. It went through wild ferment, 20% whole bunch and matured in 20% new barrique for 12 months. 14% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.

- Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 92 pts.