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Terra Sancta Wine Ranked #4 in James Suckling’s Top 100 Wines of the World 2025
Terra Sancta Ranked #4 in James Suckling’s Top 100 Wines of the World 2025
Terra Sancta’s Mysterious Diggings Pinot Noir 2024 has been named No. 4 in the world by internationally renowned wine critic James Suckling in his Top 100 Wines of the World 2025.
Suckling and his team tasted more than 45,000 wines from 18 countries, making Terra Sancta’s achievement an extraordinary recognition for New Zealand wine and the Bannockburn terroir. During his October visit, Suckling spent over four hours at Terra Sancta’s Felton Road vineyard, walking the vines, tasting through the range, and discussing the estate’s organic and regenerative approach. In the Top 100 Wines of the World 2025 Report, released on November 1, Suckling wrote: “I visited Terra Sancta two weeks ago in the New Zealand town of Bannockburn, Central Otago, and the vineyards – mostly ungrafted and planted in the early 1990s – were among the most beautiful I’ve ever seen, with organic and regenerative viticulture.”
Awarding 98 points, Suckling describes the wine as: “Incredibly intense aromas of cherries, strawberries, peaches, melon, and fresh flowers. Medium-bodied with creamy, open-grained tannins and a juicy finish. Refreshing and vibrant. A Pinot Noir for today.”
The Mysterious Diggings Pinot Noir 2022 vintage also scored 98 points, underlining the estate’s consistency and care. Terra Sancta co-founder and vigneron Mark Weldon said: “This ranking is recognition of our remarkable vineyards and a dedicated team focused on expressing the soul of Bannockburn.” Co-founder Sarah Eliott added: “Hosting James and Marie at Terra Sancta was a privilege. James Suckling’s visit affirmed what we believe – that great wines begin with great vineyards.” Terra Sancta was one of only two New Zealand wineries in the global Top 100 Wines, alongside its Felton Road neighbour, the Felton Road winery.