Terra Sancta Pinot Noir

Highly aromatic, the nose is layered and complex with violets, fresh thyme, oregano and Christmas spices. Possessing both energy and weight, the palate is harmonious with flavours of plum, dark berries, herbs, and anise, along with a velvety texture and fine tannins. A Pinot Noir of subtle power that lingers on the palate, this is a beautiful expression of the Terra Sancta Estate in a great vintage.

• Winery: Terra Sancta Estate
• Varietal: Pinot Noir
• Region: Central Otago, New Zealand
• Vintage: 2022
• Alcohol: 13%
• Volume: 750ml
• Closure: Screwcap
• Food pairing: Chicken & duck; lamb & mild sausage; tuna & salmon; mushroom risotto; mushroom & light-medium red sauces; brie & goats cheese

Crafted to express the unique terroir of Terra Sancta Estate on Felton Road in Bannockburn, this Pinot Noir is as quality, layered and beautiful as the place it is from. Reflecting the aspect, soil type, vine age and microclimate of each block of the Estate, Pinot Noir of the highest quality consistently delivers a core of dark fruit, earthy beetroot, exotic spices and silky texture. Carefully crafted and minimally made using wild fermentation and subtle French oak, this is a gorgeous Pinot Noir.

It started with a map in a dark library and an epiphany. Which led to an Alchemist-like journey to Bannockburn to discover the mysteries of wine and this special place.

A wise man once said, “find the best vineyard sites you can because you can’t out perform your vineyards”. Guided by this wisdom, a process of following the signs, finally led to this far corner of the world, Bannockburn, Central Otago and the Sancta vineyard, home to the first vines planted in Bannockburn.

Once on the migratory path of Maori in search of Pounamu - Bannockburn was settled in 1862 during the gold rush. Felton Road is now a meandering country road of vines, mostly the Pinot Noir for which the region is famed, and orchards. It is also home to the “Mysterious Diggings” created by the gold sluicings from the 19th century gold rush and punctuated with wineries, cellar doors, the bike trail. The best street in New Zealand is also our home base - home to our Terra Sancta Estate vines, cellar door, winery and office, hens, sheep, goats, Hill of Health, Mound of Microbes - it is a vibrant and fascinating corner of the world.

"The longer and deeper our roots are planted in Bannockburn, the more we understand that it is indeed Terra Sancta - sacred earth - special place." Terra Sancta

From the north facing aspect, to the gentle slope down to the glacial Kawarau River, from the mountain ranges that envelop and protect us, to the diversity of soils, the long, hot days, and the cool starry nights - this is a place of extremes - and of challenge - but borne of this are products that speak of place and vibrate with its energy, purity and intensity.

With Kanuka and other natives growing wild alongside sheep, hens and goats, our vines growing on top of limestone, clay, quartz and schist gravels are surrounded by beneficial life. Terra Sancta is a wonderland of detail and vibrancy.

"Terra Sancta is a place of innovation and firsts - the first vines planted in Bannockburn and the Cromwell Basin, the first wine based Botanical Aperitivo in New Zealand, the first planting of Lagrien, the first super premium Rosé, and New Zealand’s first producer to achieve Super Classic status for Rosé." Terra Sancta

• 94/100 Points - Sam Kim (2021 vintage)
  
• 5 Stars - Michael Cooper (2021 vintage)
  
• 4.5 Stars - Michael Cooper (2020 vintage)
• 4 Stars & 93/100 Points - Bob Campbell, The Real Review (2019 vintage)
  
• 93/100 Points - Sam Kim (2019 vintage)