A Warmer, More Structured Expression of Bannockburn — From Central Otago's Pioneering Estate

My Wine Man on Mt Difficulty

Mt Difficulty is one of Central Otago's founding estates, established in 1992 by a group of pioneering Bannockburn grape growers who recognised that this remote, schist-stone gorge in New Zealand's South Island had the potential to produce world-class Pinot Noir. Three decades on, that vision has been vindicated many times over. Bannockburn — sheltered by the Carrick Range, blessed with ancient schist soils and extreme diurnal temperature variation — is now firmly established as one of the Southern Hemisphere's great Pinot Noir terroirs, and Mt Difficulty remains its most iconic producer. The 2022 vintage across Central Otago was defined by a warm, dry growing season with excellent sunshine hours and a long, even ripening period — producing wines of greater concentration, depth, and structural weight than the more delicate 2023. Where the 2023 is all elegance and aromatic lift, the 2022 is richer, more brooding, and built for the medium term: a wine with the fruit density and tannin structure to reward patience as much as it rewards immediate enjoyment.

Tasting Notes

Deep ruby with a dense, opaque core and a vibrant crimson rim. The nose is rich and expressive — dark cherry, blackberry, and ripe plum dominate, layered with notes of warm baking spice, dark chocolate, dried herbs, and the characteristic earthy schist minerality of Bannockburn. There is a subtle cedar and vanilla note from oak aging that adds structure and complexity without overwhelming the wine's powerful fruit core. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and concentrated — firm, ripe tannins, generous dark fruit, and a long, spiced, persistent finish with excellent depth and grip. This is a more muscular, structured expression of Bannockburn Pinot Noir — one that will reward decanting and will continue to develop beautifully over the next several years.

Style & Drinking Window

Full-bodied, structured Central Otago Pinot Noir with excellent concentration, depth, and cellaring potential. Drinking well now with decanting and will continue to develop and open through 2032–2036. Decant for 45–60 minutes to allow the wine's full complexity to emerge. Serve at 16–18°C in a large Burgundy glass.

Food Pairing

The 2022's richer, more structured profile calls for dishes with bold flavours and substance. We love it with Grass Fed White Stripe Premium Lamb Rack Frenched Cap from My Meat Man — herb-crusted, medium-rare, with rosemary, garlic and a red wine jus, the iron-rich precision of the lamb rack matches the wine's dark cherry, blackberry and schist minerality beautifully, while the firm tannins and mineral grip carry the dish with effortless authority. Equally good with slow-roasted lamb shoulder, pan-seared duck, aged steak with mushroom jus, or aged cheese.

Why This Is a Smart Buy

At HK$289, the 2022 Mt Difficulty Bannockburn Pinot Noir delivers a richer, more structured expression of one of Central Otago's most celebrated sub-regions at a price that represents outstanding value. The 2022 vintage's concentration and cellaring potential make this an especially compelling buy for those who want a Bannockburn Pinot with genuine depth and longevity — a wine that will reward patience and continue to develop over the next decade. Bannockburn Pinot Noir of this pedigree regularly commands HK$380–500+ at retail.

Looking for a Different Style?

If you'd like to explore other exceptional Pinot Noirs from our range, consider these alternatives:

• 2023 Felton Road Bannockburn Pinot Noir — Mt Difficulty's most celebrated Bannockburn neighbour — biodynamically farmed, hauntingly precise, and consistently one of New Zealand's greatest Pinot Noirs.
• 2021 Burn Cottage Sauvage Central Otago Pinot Noir — A biodynamic Central Otago Pinot of extraordinary purity and aromatic complexity — wild, expressive, and utterly compelling.
• 2020 Two Paddocks Central Otago Pinot Noir — Sam Neill's celebrated Central Otago estate — elegant, perfumed, and beautifully crafted Pinot Noir with a great story to tell.