Mt difficulty overview Pioneer of highly regarded, terroir-driven Pinot Noir in Central Otago’s prized Bannockburn sub region Producer of one of the most famous New Zealand Pinot Noirs in the world Namesake is Mount Difficulty, Bannockburn’s highest peak and the vineyard’s backdrop Fruit sourced from 187 acres of some of Bannockburn’s oldest vineyards CENTRAL OTAGO The Essence of Central Otago  A Reflection of Place

History: from gold rush to wine rush Ruggedly beautiful Central Otago is an arid, windswept region with snow- capped peaks rising to 6,500 feet One of the world’s southernmost wine regions (45° South) Produces just 2.8% of New Zealand’s wine, primarily Pinot Noir Vineyards planted 1992, among the first in the Bannockburn sub region Mount Difficulty winery established 1998 Companion label Roaring Meg established in 2001 Region was discovered by gold prospectors in the 1860’s and the wine world in the late 1980’s The Essence of Central Otago  A Reflection of Place

Bannockburn sub region Area known for producing the most prestigious Pinot Noir on the South Island Smaller boutique producers focused on distinctive wines of place Located at the southern end of the Cromwell Basin, south of the Kawarau River Vineyard sites are among the warmest in the Central Otago Mount Difficulty influence: shelters the vineyards from cool winds and rain, and increases the heat of the summer days The Essence of Central Otago  A Reflection of Place

Mt Difficulty Vineyards

Bannockburn Vineyards Source fruit from 187 acres of estate and estate-managed vineyards Among the oldest plantings in Bannockburn: vine age contributes to complexity Long cool autumns build up flavor intensity, depth of color, stability Distinctive, high pH (sweet) soils are a mix of clay and free-draining schist gravels, imparting brightness and finesse to the wines The Essence of Central Otago  A Reflection of Place

Sustainable winemaking Accredited member of Sustainable Winegrowing Initiative (SWNZ) standards on sustainable management of vineyards and wineries Living roof on the barrel hall insulates, reduces storm water runoff, and blends into landscape Tank heating and hot water supply use a wood-chip fired boiler: a renewable, local, non-fossil resource A climate with low rainfall and humidity means a low incidence of disease, greatly reducing the need for spraying The Essence of Central Otago  A Reflection of Place

The Essence of Central Otago  A Reflection of Place Winemaker Winemaker Matt Dicey’s 20th vintage at Mt Difficulty was in 2018 Partners with brother James Dicey, who heads up viticulture Fourth generation vigneron with roots in the Central Otago Helped plant the Long Gully vineyard in 1992, one of the single vineyards Has worked in California, France, Italy, and South Africa Ethos of minimal intervention and ethical viticulture produces wines that express their personality and reflect their home The Essence of Central Otago  A Reflection of Place

Bannockburn 2017 pinot noir Grapes for this label are from Mt Difficulty- managed vineyards exclusively from the south side of the Kawarau River Clonal lots from the same vineyard were co- fermented, and vineyard blocks fermented separately with indigenous yeasts A perfumed Pinot Noir focused on dark berry and black cherry. Savory brambly blackberry introduces the wine, followed by a broad textured mid palate; this moves seamlessly into plush, fine, textural tannins 92 POINTS v2016 91 POINTS v2015 92 POINTS v2015 Region: Bannockburn, New Zealand Alcohol: 13.5% Aging: 12 months French Oak The Essence of Central Otago  A Reflection of Place