2021 Terra Sancta Mysterious Diggings Pinot Noir

Delivering outstanding value, this is a single vineyard Pinot Noir from Terra Sancta's high altitude Mysterious Diggings vineyard located in the premium Central Otago subregion of Bannockburn. Vines grown at 300 meters above sea level in sandy soils produce flavourful, pristine Pinot Noir. Hand-picked and treated gently in the winery, our goal is to preserve the beauty of the fruit to create this delicious, vibrant Pinot Noir.

It started with a map in a dark library and an epiphany. Which led to an Alchemist-like journey to Bannockburn to discover the mysteries of wine and this special place. A wise man once said, “find the best vineyard sites you can because you can’t out perform your vineyards”. Guided by this wisdom, a process of following the signs, finally led to this far corner of the world, Bannockburn, Central Otago and the Sancta vineyard, home to the first vines planted in Bannockburn.

The defining characteristic of 2021 was the fruit quality which was excellent.

Harvest
started in the final week of March with some lovely early Autumn weather deepening flavour development. Cool April temperatures slowed ripening resulting in a protracted, 6 week harvest and consequent wonderful flavour development. With very low yields - due to a cool spring which impacted flowering - a long, gradual ripening period, and later picking dates, 2021 is a vintage from which great wine flows.
VINIFICATION
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Minimal intervention in the winery is intended to showcase both vineyard and vintage in this Pinot Noir. Early picking by hand and gentle handling are two keys to achieving this goal. Aging in neutral French oak barrels provides additional texture and inviting spice on the finish. This wine was bottled at Terra Sancta.