Mt Difficulty Pinot Noir 2016

100% Pinot Noir from Bannockburn vineyards on the South side of the Kawarau River in Central Otago.

The majority of ferments were de-stemmed only; the remaining third contained 20-35% whole clusters. Underwent 9-10 days of cold maceration, hand-plunged daily. Fermented with indigenous yeasts for 8-10 days and hand-plunged twice daily with the temperature peaking at 31ºC. Stayed on skins a further 7-9 days post-dryness and plunged daily. When in harmony pressed off to barrel and resided on full lees for 12 months. Malolactic fermentation, racked out of barrel and filtered prior to bottling.

Winemaker's Comments

As Mt Difficulty's vineyards age, more complexity is emerging with each vintage. The 2015 season produced a Pinot Noir focused on complexity and evolution; lovely beguiling violet florals interplayed with dark cherry and sweet brown spice. The wine displays depth, confidence and poise. Dense supple dark cherry notes and a brown spice element moves into a beautifully textured plush mid palate, out of which rise fine elegant textural tannins. Cherry and spice notes frame the finish.

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