The 2018 Mt Difficulty Pipeclay Terrace Pinot Noir is an exceptional single-vineyard wine from Bannockburn, Central Otago, representing one of the finest expressions of Pinot Noir produced by Mt Difficulty. Crafted in very limited quantities and released only in outstanding vintages, Pipeclay Terrace showcases the remarkable concentration, elegance and complexity achievable from one of New Zealand's most celebrated Pinot Noir regions.
Located along Felton Road in Bannockburn, Pipeclay Terrace is one of Mt Difficulty's four original vineyards, with vines planted in 1996. The vineyard features a distinctive combination of coarse, drought-prone Bannockburn soils and heavier clay soils associated with Scotland Point. These contrasting soil profiles contribute to the wine's depth, structure and distinctive sense of place.
The 2018 growing season was particularly memorable, beginning with exceptionally warm conditions before transitioning into a cooler, wetter late summer and autumn. This unusual combination allowed the grapes to develop impressive concentration while preserving freshness and aromatic complexity.
The Pinot Noir was harvested by hand on 15 and 20 March 2018, with selected Dijon clones co-fermented to enhance integration and complexity. A portion of the fruit underwent whole-cluster fermentation, followed by gentle extraction and natural fermentation. The wine was subsequently matured for 15 months in French oak barrels, including 26% new oak, before being bottled unfined and unfiltered in November 2019.
Tasting Notes
The bouquet is beautifully expressive, revealing lifted aromas of violet, blackberry and black cherry, complemented by subtle earthy undertones, savoury spice and delicate floral perfume.
On the palate, the wine is concentrated yet remarkably precise, with dense dark berry fruits flowing through a supple, finely structured mid-palate. Fine-grained tannins provide definition and texture, while subtle earthy complexity balances the richness of the fruit.
As the wine opens, layers of wild cherry, roasted meat, ground coffee, Sichuan pepper, leather, cocoa and black tea contribute further savoury complexity. The finish is long, structured and persistent, with lingering dark fruit and floral notes.
The result is a powerful yet refined Central Otago Pinot Noir, combining impressive concentration with aromatic elegance and excellent ageing potential.
Awards, Ratings & Reviews
97 Points – James Suckling
Awarded 97 points in James Suckling's 2019 tasting report, recognising the wine's exceptional quality and distinctive single-vineyard character.
92 Points – Erin Larkin, Robert Parker Wine Advocate
Praised for its concentrated, savoury character, dense tannin structure and complex layers of dark fruit, spice and earthy notes.
Wine Specifications
Producer: Mt Difficulty Wines
Region: Bannockburn, Central Otago, New Zealand
Vineyard: Pipeclay Terrace
Variety: Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2018
Vine Planting: 1996
Harvest: 15 & 20 March 2018
Maturation: 15 months in French oak (26% new)
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Bottle Size: 750ml
Style: Dry, Medium-to-Full-Bodied Pinot Noir
Bottling: Unfined and Unfiltered
Drinking Window: 2023–2033 (estimated, depending on storage conditions)
Food Pairing: Roast duck breast, venison, herb-crusted lamb, grilled quail, wild mushroom risotto, truffle dishes and aged cheeses.
Cellaring Potential
The 2018 Pipeclay Terrace Pinot Noir is now entering an attractive stage of maturity, offering a compelling combination of concentrated dark fruit, savoury complexity and developing tertiary characteristics.
With the producer indicating a cellaring potential of approximately 10–15 years, carefully stored bottles should continue to develop through the late 2020s and into the early 2030s.
For collectors seeking a more structured and age-worthy expression of Central Otago Pinot Noir, Pipeclay Terrace represents an excellent step above Mt Difficulty's regional Bannockburn and Roaring Meg releases.
