Harvested over 13 days and spending 14 months in barrel, the fabulous 2005 Pipeclay Terrace Pinot Noir has a more extroverted, vigorous nose than the 2004, perhaps earthier with a touch of cooked meats and dried blood. It displays very good weight on the palate, succulent tannins, more concentration than the 2004 with a seductive, sensuous finish with silky texture. Very focused, lovely cherry, boysenberry and red currant flavors linger long after the wine is ejected. Top-class Pinot Noir that should drink well between 5 and 8 years. Founded in 1992 in Bannockburn, Central Otago, Mt. Difficulty has established itself as one of the premier Pinot Noir producers in New Zealand. I tasted their wines both blind and with winemaker Matt Dicey in Central Otago and again in London. All wines under the Mt. Difficulty names are sourced from their own vineyards and their single vineyard bottlings have become much sought after. Both tasted in London, the two white wines from Mt. Difficulty were very impressive. Importer, American Estates Wines, Summit, NJ; tel. (908) 273-5060; fax (908) 273-5068