Single Block
All single block wines are produced solely from specific, and very special parcels of land. The ultra-premium single block Pinot Noir wines listed below are picked and treated in a very similar manner in the winery, with the significant variations in aroma, flavour and structure reflecting the differences in the soils from which each wine comes. Single Block Wines
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We produce three rare, premium Pinot Noirs from small, unique blocks, each very different and demonstrative of the special qualities of the terroir from which they emanate. Crafted in very small quantities, they are worthy of aging, providing memorable drinking for a decade or more.
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Estate Wines
Each Terra Sancta estate wine is a true premium wine, and is made entirely from grapes picked on the Terra Sancta Estate on Felton Road. Comprising a total of 28 hectares, around 11 hectares is simply trees, open spaces, and ponds.
Unlike most vineyards which struggle to support healthy soil, our estate is very green and biodiverse, with our main issue a prevalence of birds, which, like us, love the sweetness of a ripe grape. The soils of the Estate are shown best by Miro's Block, 7 rows of Riesling planted in 1995. Cut into the slopes, the cross section of the soils reveals at least 10 feet of soils with about one foot of loam, followed by masses of schist gravels, and some clay.
While there are a bunch of wine words to describe the criteria used under which fruit can qualify to go into a Terra Sancta Estate wine, simply put, these wines are designed to be special, and to cause you to "take a moment' as you drink, contemplate, and enjoy.
Mysterious Diggings
An early map by a resident of Bannockburn gave a small parcel of land the name ‘Mysterious Diggings’. A vineyard of extreme beauty, high in the hills, The Diggings vineyard is on the Cairnmuir side of Bannockburn. It has sun-drenched, rocky terraces with that, with their altitude, capture the last sun of each Autumn's day.
While there are also a bunch of wine words to describe the Mysterious Diggings wines, in our minds, they fill an important place in life - simply being delicious, and great to drink now. To qualify as a Mysterious Diggings wine, it has to have that underrated qualtiy - real deliciousness! Mysterious Diggings Wines
The way we think about wine at Terra Sancta is there are really only two sorts of wine worth drinking. First, special wines, that cause you to take a moment, feel something diferent about life, and encourage imagination and a sense of place and connectedness. Second, those wines that are simply delicious, and when you drink it you pause, go "wow, that is great" and then get on with the conversation, the bolognese, the antipasto, or the picnic, with the wine fitting perfectly into the whole feeling, but not dominating it. It is this second type of wine - the truly delicious (an underappreciated quality in wine!) that each of our Mysterious Diggings wines deliver.
Terra SanctaWines
Our wines are all handcrafted, with experienced harvest workers picking the best bunches,
leaving the rest - sadly - on the vine or on the ground.
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Terra Sancta produces three distinct tiers of wine. The rare Single Block Pinot Noirs crafted to express what we consider to be very disttinctive and special blocks of the Estate; the Terra Sancta Estate range - crafted entirely from vines from our Felton Road Estate; and the Mysterious Diggings wines, made for accessible delicious drinking, with the Pinot Noir being a single vineyard wine from our Diggings Vineyard on the Cairnmuir Road side of Bannockburn. All wines are produced from Bannockburn fruit.
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Our philosophy at Terra Sancta is that there are only two sorts of wines worth drinking. First, special wines, that cause you to take a moment, feel something diferent about life, and encourage imagination and a sense of place and connectedness. Our Single Block, and our Terra Sancta Estate wines are such special wines. Second, those wines that are simply delicious, and when you drink it you pause, go "wow, that is delicious" and then get on with the conversation, the barbeque, and the evening. This sums up our Mysterious Diggings wines
SlapJack Block
Named after Slapjack Creek, a water source that began in the ranges above the vineyard and once ran alongside Slapjack Block, the soils on Slapjack are dense with glacial schist with some clay to quite significant depths. Slapjack Block contains the very first planted vines in Bannockburn, with the soils, vine age and a mix of clones on the block making this Pinot Noir truly unique. With vivacious wild berry flavors, bewitching spice aromas, and a finessed, silky finish, the old vines marry with Slapjack soil to create an opulent, powerful wine.
Shingle Beach
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Planted by Gary Andres, an Oregon Pinot Noir pioneer who wished to create a Pinot Noir to rival the great Burgundies, the block is named after the shingle beach below the block. Shingle Beach is a densely planted block which reaches optimal ripeness at low sugar levels and bears tiny, pristine grapes. The result is evident in the hallmarks of this wine; fine grained tannins, minerality, earthiness and concentrated dark fruit flavours, all at under 13% alcohol. Vibrant and elegant. 2012 was our inaugrual release of this wine.
Jackson's Block
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Named after the august ratbag on the label, Jackson Barry ranged the area telling yarns and seeking fame and fortune. The hallmarks of Jackson’s Block are perfume, elegance, and balance. The perfume is that of violets and the wild thyme of the estate. The flavors are red berries and the length and balance are made complete by elegant, silky tannins.
Terra Sancta Estate Pinot Noir
The Terra Sancta estate gives a true picture of the estate vineyard. A wine of many layers, it has hints of the opulence of Slapjack Block, the perfume of Jackson’s Block, and the exotic and sensual flavors of Shingle Beach. Handpicked, the wine’s fragrance is that of the estate itself - lavender and thyme. The flavors come direct from the soils - the luxury of dark cherries, fresh raspberries, and first picked plums. The texture is silk; the finish complex. For a detailed tasting note of the current release, click on the below link:
Terra Sancta Estate Pinot Noir Rose
Nothing looks better on a summer table than this wine. Gorgeous. A complete experience. With Champagne-like elegance, the perfume is freshly wild cut roses, the texture luxurious and the flavours remind you of picking strawberries from out under their straw beds. Unlike many Roses this is not a light red wine disguised in pink .. this is 100% Pinot Noir Rose made with care and serious intent. From two specifically chosen parcels of Sarah's Block and Riverblock, this wine is made with premium fruit we determine best for our Rosé.
Terra Sancta Estate Riverblock Chardonnay
Chardonnay, of all wines, reflects both land and people. Just as the best chardonnays from Burgundy reflect their stony soils and history, the barrel aged Terra Sancta Estate Chardonnay reflects both its stony soils and Bannockburn’s wild side. Native yeasts create complex earthy flavours that are lifted by vibrant fruit. Intriguing and beguiling, the layers of this wine reveal themselves slowly. Complex. Wondrous.
Terra Sancta Estate Lola's Block Pinot Gris
Our Estate Lola's Block Pinot Gris exudes the same stone fruit characters of peach and pear that are the essence of the very greatest Pinot Gris’ in the world. Its sensual texture is distinctive, making it a wine for both love and reflection.
Not usually known for being a great food wine, the Terra Sancta Pinot Gris is a true exception.
Terra Sancta Estate Slapjack Block Riesling
The Slapjack Block Riesling is delicate, balanced and precise. Handpicked from old vines on the Slapjack block, the aroma and flavors are an entrancing mix of honeysuckle and juicy nectarines. Characterised by masses of minerality and racy acidity, the Slapjack Riesling caresses the palate, and sings a pure tune well after it is gone.
Terra Sancta Estate Miro's Block Riesling
Few wines blend so brilliantly both the austerity and the expression of Riesling as Miro’s block. From only 7 rows of old vines on Miro’s block, this is a rare wine. Dry to the point of crispness, the terrace soils create a wine with a neroli fragrance, tingling minerality, and great balance. Inspirational and precise.
Mysterious Diggings Pinot Noir
An early map by a resident of Bannockburn gave a small parcel of land the name ‘Mysterious Diggings’. A vineyard of extreme beauty, high in the hills, The Diggings vineyard has sun-drenched, rocky terraces with soils heavy in native schist. The fragrance and dark cherry flavors of the Diggings Pinot Noir are created by these unique vineyard soils Simply delicious.
Mysterious Diggings Pinot Gris
A perfect dry wine, the Mysterious Diggings Pinot Gris a delicious partner to the very best of times. Superb quality with an enticing floral bouquet, outstanding fruit weight in the mouth, and a clean, dry, rewarding finish, this is a wine for both food and fun. Buy Mysterious Diggings Pinot Gris
Mysterious Diggings Mysterious White
A unique combination of 4 beautifully aromatic varietals. A dry wine, Mysterious Diggings Mysterious White is an excellent companion to food with delicious spice. Buy Mysterious Diggings Mysterious White
Mysterious Diggings Dessert Riesling
Only made very occasionally, the essence of this wine is luscious quinces and ripe apricots kept lively by wicked acidity. A wine of complexity, and a rich, concentrated finish. Indulge. Buy Mysterious Diggings Dessert Riesling
Mysterious Diggings Late Harvest Gewurtztraminer
Grown on only 9 rows of 24 year old vines on Sancta vineyard, and produced only in blue moon conditions, this is a very rare wine. A wine of great perfume and intensity, lush and sensuous, the flavors are spicy and rich and explode in the mouth.
A wonderful clean finish. Perfect with soft blue cheese, deserts, a fire...an elixir.
