The 2018 Mt. Difficulty Bannockburn Pinot Noir is a red wine from the Bannockburn sub-region of Central Otago, New Zealand. This wine, produced by Mt. Difficulty, is bottled with a screw cap closure and has an alcohol content of 14.0%.

James Suckling from jamessuckling.com awarded this Pinot Noir a score of 93, noting its "intense, rich, red and dark-cherry and red-plum nose." He also mentioned the presence of "sappy and spicy elements" and highlighted the wine's "smooth, fleshy and fluid texture" on the palate, with "bright red cherries sitting up on the finish." Suckling's review suggests that the wine is ready to drink now.

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate gave the wine a slightly lower score of 90. The review described the 2018 Bannockburn Pinot Noir as having "subdued, brooding aromas of cherries, cedar and sous-bois." On the palate, the wine is "medium to full-bodied" and framed by "chunky tannins." Despite its robustness, the wine is approachable and "turns silky on the lingering finish." The review also indicates that the wine should drink well now, especially with a little aeration, and is expected to age well for at least the next 6-7 years.

Overall, the 2018 Mt. Difficulty Bannockburn Pinot Noir is characterized by its rich and intense fruit flavors, with both reviewers noting the prominent cherry notes. The wine also has a complex aromatic profile with spicy and woody elements. Its texture is described as smooth and fleshy by Suckling, while Parker's Wine Advocate points to a robust structure that becomes silky on the finish.

This Pinot Noir has received positive reviews, with James Suckling's excellent score of 93 highlighting its quality and drinkability. The wine's ability to age further adds to its appeal, making it a versatile choice for both immediate enjoyment and longer-term cellaring.