19 Feb 2010 - John Edens - Southland Times

Winemaker talks about NZ Pinot Classification result

Two out of three ain't bad.

Felton Rd and Mt Difficulty wineries in Central Otago were this week awarded five stars alongside a North Island producer in an annual ranking of the top pinot noir producers in New Zealand.

The third Great New Zealand Pinot Noir Classification – run by United Kingdom-based wine writer Matthew Jukes and Australian critic Tyson Stelzer – rates producers based on a rolling average of the last five vintages.

The highest five-star rating for two Bannockburn producers is an acknowledgment of the consistent quality of the region's wine.

Mt Difficulty winemaker Matt Dicey said wine appreciation was always a "subjective beast" but it was great to get recognition from widely read critics.

The micro-climate of Bannockburn, which is slightly warmer than other Central Otago grape growing areas, promoted a full-bodied pinot with an abundance of natural tannins, Mr Dicey said.

Recognition of the estate pinot over five vintages was important because the 120ha winery strived for consistency, he said.

Mt Difficulty exports about 15 per cent of its wines – pinot noir, riesling, sauvignon blanc and chardonnay – to the UK and 15 per cent to Australia.

Felton Road winemaker Blair Walter said many of the vineyards around Bannockburn were well established and Felton Road was one of the first Cromwell basin plantings. The 32ha vineyard is planted with 70 per cent pinot noir followed by chardonnay and riesling varieties.

Mr Jukes blogged about the award, saying the number of pinot noir producers in New Zealand had grown from a handful a decade ago to more than 130. Half a dozen Central Otago producers were among the 60 best wines of New Zealand noted on the blog.

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View Mt Difficulty Pinot Noir 2008