Kiwi wine #4 in Top 100 Wines of the World
Bannockburn vineyard Terra Sancta is celebrating after one of its wines was ranked 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 during the creation of the list, which was announced on 1 November.
Terra Sancta’s Mysterious Diggings Pinot Noir 2024 was awarded 98 points and the fourth place ranking. The only other New Zealand winery in the Top 100 was Felton Road with its 2024 Cornish Point Central Otago Pinot Noir (98 points) at #49.
The top five wines were:
1. Château d'Issan Margaux 2022
2. RAEN Pinot Noir Sonoma County Sonoma Coast Royal St. Robert 2023
3. Jean-Marc Burgaud Morgon Côte du Py 2023
4. Terra Sancta Pinot Noir Central Otago Bannockburn Mysterious Diggings 2024
5. Arterberry Maresh Pinot Noir Dundee Hills Maresh 2023
Terra Sancta says its placing is extraordinary recognition for New Zealand wine and the Bannockburn terroir.
During his October visit, James 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 his Top 100 Wines of the World 2025 Report, 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.”
He described the 2024 Terra Sancta Mysterious Diggings Pinot Noir as having: “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.
“This ranking is recognition of our remarkable vineyards and a dedicated team focused on expressing the soul of Bannockburn,” said Terra Sancta co-founder and vigneron Mark Weldon.
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, farmed with deep respect for the land.”
W: See the full list at James Suckling Top 100 Wines
