2024 Terra Sancta Mysterious Diggings Pinot Noir

98 pts
A high-altitude, single-vineyard Central Otago Pinot that delivers great value from a prestigious Felton Road address.

Price:
Sale price$30.00
Stock:
In stock, ready to ship, only 2 units left
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Description

You don't usually see the words "value" and "Bannockburn Pinot Noir" in the same sentence, but Terra Sancta seems to have cracked the code with this one. Sourced from their Mysterious Diggings vineyard - one of the highest sites in the famous Central Otago sub-region at 300 metres, this is the entry-level Pinot to get you into the world of Terra Sancta.

The vines were planted back in ’99 on the iconic Felton Road, so the pedigree is definitely there. The winemaking is pretty hands-off to let that fruit shine, using 100% wild yeast fermentation and gentle handling. It’s juicy and energetic with a bit of bramble spice and super soft tannins. It isn't trying to be a brooding blockbuster; it’s just pure, drinkable Central Otago Pinot on the fresher side.

There’s been some massive hype around this vintage - James Suckling dropped a huge score and ranked it his #4 wine in the world - which is honestly wild (and a little bewildering) for a wine at this price point. To be totally transparent, we wouldn't have it rated anywhere near that high (if we were to rate wines, which we don't), but we do think it's pretty snappy value for Central Otago Pinot. Whether you buy into the scores or not, it’s one of the best bang-for-your-buck Central Otago Pinots around.

James Suckling

James Suckling

James Suckling 98 Points

#4 in James Suckling's 2025 Top 100 Wines of the World

Incredibly intense aromas of cherries, strawberries, peaches, melon and fresh flowers. Medium-bodied with creamy, open-grained tannins and a juicy finish. Refreshing, vivid and vibrant. A pinot noir for today. From a mix of clones on their own roots planted in 1999 and farmed organically. Drink or hold. Screw cap.

Sam Kim

Sam Kim

Wine Orbit 93 Points

It's beautifully lifted on the nose, showing sweet cherry, cured meat, floral, and warm spice aromas. The palate exhibits juicy fruit intensity with a silky texture and fine tannins, resulting in a harmonious and balanced profile with a lingering, supple finish.

Kasia Sobiesiak

Kasia Sobiesiak

The Wine Front 89 Points

I went and I bought. Technically, this review sets me back, but passion knows no price tags. Mysterious Diggings is indeed a bit mysterious at times. Do I dig it? Let’s see.

Upon opening, the wine is tight and closed with a light veil of reduction, a la peppery, smoked charcuterie and dead flowers, perhaps. At this stage, the wine is given the benefit of the doubt, and time in the glass is exercised (even an extra day). This smoky character does blow off a bit but the wine remains wild in a way, showing damp forest, wet green rocks, something a little leafy and compost-like. Regardless, there is good fruity clarity underneath brought by the glossy, crunchy red cherry, raspberry and plum. It’s a light wine, with some sloshy red liquorice cordial flow, pinching spice, morphing into a warming sensation in the aftertaste. The extra day helped. It still has an intriguing nuance developing on the nose, but the palate remains rather simple and diffuse towards a modest finish. I’d drink a glass out of curiosity, maybe chilled.

Price Bracket $30 or Less
Type Red
Body Light Bodied
Variety Pinot Noir
Country New Zealand
Region Central Otago
Feature High Score
Reviewed By James Suckling
Critic Score 98
Size 750ml
Vintage 2024
Closure Screw Cap

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