Terra Sancta Slapjack Pinot Noir 2018

The pinnacle of Terra Sancta’s Pinot Noir range, Slapjack Block is sourced from the estate’s very first planting in Bannockburn—ungrafted vines set on a north-facing slope above Slapjack Creek. Planted in 1991 and dry-farmed using organic principles, these mature vines produce naturally low yields, delivering profound site expression and textural depth. Terra Sancta Slapjack P…TS-Slapjack-Block-2018

The 2018 vintage was one of the hottest and driest on record, with growing hours at 160% of average. This accelerated berry development and resulted in smaller berries, lower tannins, and a lighter ruby colour across the estate’s Pinots. Careful early picking preserved acidity and freshness. TS-Slapjack-Block-2018

Handpicked fruit was wild-fermented (no whole clusters) and matured for 20 months—first in French oak barriques (15% new), then in larger-format oak for the final six months—before bottling unfined, unfiltered, and with minimal sulphur. TS-Slapjack-Block-2018

The wine’s aromatic profile is ethereal and complex: violets, boysenberry, plum, black olive and vanilla, leading to a sweet-fruited palate of cherry, raspberry, and blackberry, interwoven with savoury tapenade, a hint of char, and spice. Fine talc-like tannins and lively acidity give shape to the long, harmonious finish. TS-Slapjack-Block-2018

Small-Batch Detail

• Vineyard: Slapjack Block, Terra Sancta Estate, Bannockburn

• Planted: 1991 | Ungrafted | Dry farmed, organic principles

• Soils: Glacial schist gravels with thin clay overlay

• Elevation: 250 m | Aspect: North-facing

• Clone: Pinot Noir (heritage)

• Vintage Conditions: Hottest summer on record, low yields, early harvest

• Fermentation: 100% destemmed, wild yeast, no fining or filtration

• Maturation: 20 months total – 14 months in French oak barriques (15% new) + 6 months in large format oak

• Alcohol: 13% | pH: 3.72 | TA: 6.6 g/L

• Cellaring: Drink now to 2028

• Closure: Cork

Expert Review
⭐ 96 Points – Bob Campbell MW, The Real Review

“From Terra Sancta’s oldest vines in Bannockburn. Supple and seductive Pinot Noir with layers of floral, berry, and spice flavours. A wine of finesse and purity, beautifully proportioned with a silken texture and lingering finish.”

FinePinot Note
A rare and site-pure Pinot Noir from one of Bannockburn’s most historic vineyards. The 2018 Slapjack Block is aromatic, silky, and quietly powerful—crafted for moments worth savouring. Perfect with roast duck, glazed ham, or truffle-infused roast chicken.