The 2018 Mt Difficulty Pipeclay Terrace Single Vineyard Pinot Noir is a powerful and highly expressive Pinot Noir from Bannockburn in Central Otago, New Zealand. Pipeclay Terrace is one of Mt Difficulty’s original vineyards along Felton Road, planted in 1996 on a combination of coarse, drought-prone Bannockburn soils and heavier clay soils. Produced only in outstanding vintages and in very limited quantities, the 2018 opens with lifted aromas of violet, blackberry and black cherry, layered with subtle spice and earthy complexity.
On the palate, it is concentrated and beautifully structured, with dense dark berry fruit flowing through a precise, supple mid-palate. Fine earthy tannins provide definition and structure, while floral notes re-emerge towards the finish, giving the wine lift and elegance despite its considerable depth. The wine was matured for 15 months in French oak, including 26% new oak, before being bottled unfined and unfiltered. The result is a perfumed, linear and age-worthy expression of Bannockburn Pinot Noir.
Ben's Recommendation:
At Wine More Cellars, this is an outstanding choice for Central Otago Pinot Noir lovers looking for something more serious and cellar-worthy than a regional bottling. Pipeclay Terrace is made only in selected vintages, and the combination of mature vines, limited production and the concentration of the 2018 vintage makes this a particularly compelling release. It is drinking well now with some air but has the structure to continue developing. Pair with roast duck, venison, lamb, wild mushrooms, truffle dishes or other refined game dishes.
