The 2004 Pipeclay Terrace Pinot Noir is blessed with a beautifully defined nose but much more introverted in nature than expected with reluctant aromas of red cherry, a touch of dried orange peel and a little nutmeg. It is very smooth on the entry, elegant with fine (not silky) tannins. Vibrant acidity, great focus and weight with bright crisp red-berried fruit on the long finish. An excellent wine, but it needs 3-4 years in bottle. 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