2024 Terra Sancta Slapjack Block Pinot Noir

100 pts
The best expression of Pinot Noir from Terra Sancta, made from their oldest vines planted in '91.

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Sale price$125.00
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Description

The Slapjack Block is the jewel in the crown for Terra Sancta. Planted in 1991, these are the oldest vines on the estate, and they are something of an anomaly.

Planted on their own roots (ungrafted) in a field blend of up to 13 different clones, this block offers a level of complexity that is hard to find elsewhere. The vines sit on a sun-drenched, north-facing slope with soils full of glacial schist gravels and a thin layer of clay.

This is a wine of contradictions in the best possible way; it has power and weight, yet feels incredibly light on its feet. The nose is distinctly floral and herbal, showing lavender, wild thyme and violet alongside the fruit. On the palate, it is layered with strawberry, blueberry and pomegranate flavours, supported by fine-grained tannins.

It is a "complete" Pinot Noir - structured enough to age, but with a fragrant, silky quality that makes it compelling right now.

100 points
"This is perhaps greatest pinot noir I have ever tasted in New Zealand... The tannins are powerful but totally integrated, with polish and poise. It’s rather endless in the finish."
- James Suckling

100 points - "This is perhaps greatest pinot noir I have ever tasted in New Zealand. Aromas of blackberries, dried strawberries, orange peel, spices and graphite are subtle and refined. Full-bodied but not heavy, with perfectly formed tannins that go on for minutes. The tannins are powerful but totally integrated, with polish and poise. It’s rather endless in the finish. Own-rooted Dijon clone planted in 1991. From organically grown grapes. Give this three to four years in the bottle. Best after 2028." - James Suckling

Terra Sancta's pinnacle of Pinot Noir, from the first block planted in Bannockburn. One of our three single block Pinot Noirs, Slapjack Block is located in the heart of the Terra Sancta Estate. On gentle sloping clay soils, old vines on their own roots produce fruit of outstanding character and complexity. Minimal winemaking using wild fermentation is designed for maximum expression of site and vintage. A 'complete' wine, showing lovely power and poise, it is fragrant and complex. Mouthfilling, rich and silky-textured, it has deep cherry, plum and spice flavours, showing excellent harmony. Bottled under cork.

Price Bracket $101 and Above
Type Red
Body Medium Bodied
Variety Pinot Noir
Country New Zealand
Region Central Otago
Feature High Score
Reviewed By James Suckling
Critic Score 100
Size 750ml
Vintage 2024
Closure Screw Cap

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