Terra Sancta Achieves Rare 100-Point Score for Slapjack Block Pinot Noir 2024

There are moments in wine that stop you in your tracks.

For us, one of those moments came when internationally renowned wine critic James Suckling awarded our Slapjack Block Pinot Noir 2024 a perfect 100 points.

Grown on the first vines planted in Bannockburn in 1991, Slapjack Block is a wine deeply connected to place. These heritage vines, rooted in clay soils at the heart of the Terra Sancta Estate, have spent more than three decades telling the story of this special corner of Central Otago.

This recognition is deeply meaningful.

The 2024 vintage proved remarkable across the entire Terra Sancta portfolio. Alongside Slapjack Block's perfect score, Jackson's Block Pinot Noir 2024 and Shingle Beach Pinot Noir 2024 were each awarded 99 points, making them among the highest-rated wines in New Zealand.

Together, these wines speak not only to the quality of the vintage but also to the extraordinary diversity of Bannockburn itself. Clay, schist, limestone, quartz, and sandy soils all contribute their own voice, allowing each vineyard and each block to express something unique.

For co-founders Mark Weldon and Sarah Eliott, the recognition is a celebration of the vineyard and winery teams, and of a philosophy that has guided Terra Sancta from the beginning.

"This acknowledgement reflects the quality of our vineyards, the benefits of our organic and regenerative farming systems, and our commitment to making wines that express place."

During his visit to Terra Sancta, Suckling spent time walking the vineyards and observing the farming practices that underpin the wines.

"Terra Sancta's viticulture is spectacular," he wrote. "Low-impact farming and natural nurturing, from using their own sheep in the vineyards to no-tilling and regenerative practices. They improve the life of their vines while reducing their CO₂ footprint."

For winemaker Giannis Voukidis, the recognition is both rewarding and motivating.

"The fastidious approach taken at Terra Sancta, including a series of brave decisions along the way, has been recognised by one of the world's leading wine writers. It encourages us to keep finding ways to raise the bar."

Perhaps most importantly, these scores reaffirm something we have always believed:

You cannot outperform your vineyards. Great wines begin in the land. They are shaped by season, by soil, by patience, and by people who care deeply for the place they farm.

For us, this is not simply a story about points. It is a story about Bannockburn. A story about the first vines planted here more than thirty years ago. A story about a special place. And we are honoured to share it with you.

The 2024 Single Block Pinot Noirs

Slapjack Block Pinot Noir 2024 — 100 Points The pinnacle expression of Terra Sancta Pinot Noir, grown on clay soils from the first vines planted in Bannockburn.

Jackson's Block Pinot Noir 2024 — 99 Points A classic Bannockburn Pinot Noir from schist and quartz soils, combining depth, structure, and elegance.

Shingle Beach Pinot Noir 2024 — 99 Points A distinctive limestone-grown Pinot Noir, celebrated for its texture, energy, and Burgundian character.