Mt. Difficulty Roaring Meg Pinot Noir 2023

Central Otago is the southernmost wine region on earth, and it produces Pinot Noir with a structure and savory depth that Marlborough cannot touch. Mt. Difficulty is the region's most recognized estate. Roaring Meg is their entry-level, but entry-level here means something. Dark cherry, black currant, baked raspberry, a light savory quality that is uniquely Central Otago — like dried thyme and cold stone. Fine chalky tannins frame the wine without gripping. The acidity is bright and the finish carries. This is Pinot Noir with a spine. Scored 92 points for the 2023. Under $25. This is what I hand someone who tells me they only drink Burgundy. Not to prove Burgundy wrong, but to prove the world is bigger than they thought.