1 Mar 2010 - Matt Preston

Matt Preston loves Mt Difficulty

“Mt Difficulty’s pinot noirs are the stuff of legend, whether it’s a 2008 that is loaded with black cherry flavours or their single-vineyard wines such as the Pipeclay Terrace or Long Gully pinot noirs, which can tip the scales at a hefty NZ$90. Those with less-deep pockets should taste them at the cellar door but leave with a bottle of Mt Difficulty’s citrussy dry riesling or their very sweet Mansons Farm pinot gris, which just cries out for some goat’s cheese or even pork with apple sauce. It's not just the ripper pinots that Mt Difficulty is famous for. There's also this cracking cafe with a broad, shaded deck boasting magnificent views from its prime site high on the hillside above Felton Road. Werner Hecht-Wendt is a master when it comes to slow-roasting duck, which is good news given the robust pinot on offer. NZ cheeses such as Whitestone Windsor Blue and Retro Organic Catlins Camembert dot a cheese platter, along with a delicious gingerbread that makes the most of that blue. For a sweet finish, maybe it's a rhubarb and white chocolate cheesecake or an inventive passionfruit and lemon pot with green tea ice cream. There are a number of gluten-free options, too. Felton Rd, Bannockburn, +64 3 445 3445.”

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