Medium ruby in color, the 2009 Pipeclay Pinot Noir presents fragrant notes of warm cranberries and red currants over lavender, underbrush and Provence herbs. Medium bodied, it gives a superb concentration of red berry flavors in the mouth with a gentle lift of dried herb nuances, supported by medium level grainy tannins, crisp acid and finishes long. Approachable now, it should drink through 2016+. Importer: American Estates Wines, Summit, NJ; www.eAmericanEstates.com

The 2007 Pipeclay Terrace Pinot Noir has a lifted nose with prominent new oak, although underneath there is a sense of richness coming through. The palate is medium-bodied, very smooth tannins polished by some quality new oak. It is more assertive than the Long Gully, but there is a sense of grace right on the finish. Importer: American Estates Wines, Summit, NJ; tel. (908) 273-5060; fax (908) 273-5068

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

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