2024 Terra Sancta Estate Bannockburn Pinot Noir, Central Otago

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, medium ruby in colour, with a lifted and layered nose of nutmeg, chocolate, red cherries, and licorice. Carefully crafted and minimally made using wild fermentation and subtle French oak, this is a gorgeous Pinot Noir.

94 points Bob Campbell MW therealreview.com

Terra Sancta Estate Bannockburn Pinot Noir from Central Otago is a confident, finely balanced expression of Bannockburn that sits at the heart of the estate’s range. Terra Sancta is one of the original Bannockburn vineyards, first planted in the early 1990s by the late Rudi Bauer, whose belief in this rugged subregion helped define Central Otago’s global reputation. Today, the estate is led by winemaker Rob Hay, who continues Bauer’s philosophy of site first, low intervention winemaking, allowing Bannockburn’s schist rich soils and extreme climate to speak clearly. The Estate Pinot Noir is drawn from multiple parcels across Bannockburn, capturing both the warmth and power of the area alongside its trademark freshness and mineral drive.

The vineyards sit on free draining schist, gravel and sandy soils, with hot days and cold nights delivering concentration without loss of acidity. Fruit is hand harvested and fermented using wild yeasts, with a modest portion of whole bunches adding aromatic lift and structure. Extraction is gentle, and maturation takes place in French oak, used carefully to support texture and complexity rather than dominate the fruit. The aim is always balance, authenticity and a true sense of place.

The aromatics are expressive and layered. Red and dark cherry, wild strawberry and raspberry form the core, lifted by rose petal and dried thyme. Beneath the fruit sits a savoury Bannockburn signature of schist dust, ironstone and forest floor, with subtle spice and a hint of orange peel emerging as the wine opens.

The palate is supple yet structured. Bright red fruits and darker cherry tones move through fine, chalky tannins that provide shape without heaviness. Fresh acidity keeps the wine energetic and precise, while flavours of cherry skin, cranberry, spice and earthy minerality build toward a long, savoury finish. It drinks beautifully now with air, yet has the structure to develop over eight to twelve years, gaining truffle, sous bois and deeper savoury complexity.

A natural match for roast duck, lamb, game birds, mushroom dishes or earthy vegetarian fare. Terra Sancta Estate Bannockburn Pinot Noir is a pure, honest reflection of one of Central Otago’s great subregions, confident, expressive and unmistakably Bannockburn.