2024 Terra Sancta Mysterious Diggings Blanc de Noir, Central Otago

Terra Sancta Mysterious Diggings Blanc de Noir from Central Otago is one of the most intriguing and distinctive wines to emerge from Bannockburn, sitting somewhere between sparkling energy and still wine texture. Mysterious Diggings is a historic Bannockburn vineyard planted on ancient river terraces of schist, gravel and sand, a site that Terra Sancta has long championed for its intensity and mineral character. The Blanc de Noir is made entirely from Pinot Noir, picked early to preserve acidity and purity, then gently pressed with minimal skin contact to capture delicacy rather than colour. Terra Sancta’s philosophy under winemaker Rob Hay is all about authenticity and site expression, and this wine is a fascinating extension of that thinking.

The vineyard’s free draining soils and Central Otago’s dramatic diurnal shifts give the wine tension, freshness and a distinctive stony edge. Winemaking is deliberately restrained. The juice is handled carefully to retain clarity, fermented cleanly and allowed to develop texture without overt oak influence. The aim is not to imitate Champagne or traditional sparkling styles, but to create a still wine that expresses Pinot Noir through lightness, mineral drive and savoury complexity.

The aromatics are subtle and captivating. White strawberry, red apple skin and citrus blossom lead, followed by hints of cranberry, rose petal and blood orange. Beneath the fruit sits a distinctly Bannockburn character of wet stone, crushed schist and faint savoury herbs. As the wine opens, gentle notes of spice and almond skin add further intrigue.

The palate is energetic and finely textured. Bright acidity drives flavours of citrus, apple skin and delicate red berry through a sleek, linear frame. There is a subtle phenolic grip that gives structure and seriousness, balanced by freshness and lift. The finish is long, dry and mineral, leaving a saline, stony impression that feels both refreshing and quietly complex. It is immediately compelling, yet will continue to evolve over several years, gaining more savoury nuance with time.

A brilliant match for oysters, sashimi, cured fish, charcuterie, goat’s cheese or dishes that highlight texture and acidity. Terra Sancta Mysterious Diggings Blanc de Noir is not a wine that fits neatly into categories, it is thoughtful, expressive and unmistakably Central Otago.