Bannockburn 'De La Terre' Pinot Noir 2024 is a distinctive expression of terroir from a scarce, certified organic vineyard block planted in 2007. Nestled in a high-density 1.78-acre site adjacent to the renowned Serré vineyard, this Pinot Noir explores unique variables of exposition, orientation, and clonal diversity, offering a refined and complex profile that stands out in Bannockburn’s portfolio.
This wine is crafted exclusively from predominantly Clone 777, with a portion of Clone 114, planted at 8,333 vines per hectare on soils of dark clay over weathered basalt and limestone. The vineyard’s two sections—flat terrain with north-south row orientation and an east-facing slope—contribute to the wine’s layered complexity.
The fruit was handpicked and 100% destemmed before undergoing a wild fermentation on skins for 10 days. It was then pressed to French oak hogshead barrels, 25% of which were new, allowing for subtle oak integration without overpowering the delicate fruit. After malolactic fermentation in spring, the wine was blended and bottled in February, preserving its vibrant character and structural finesse.
De La Terre presents a lifted and savoury nose, revealing aromas of bramble, red berries, and garrigue. On the palate, it offers a harmonious balance of cherry cola, spice, and a distinctive ferrous edge. The structure is lighter and finer than Bannockburn’s Serré, yet it carries serious intent and complex earthy undertones. This Pinot Noir sits on the edgier side of the estate’s stylistic spectrum, delivering a seamless and satiny texture with a lingering finish.
Critically acclaimed, James Halliday once described this site as “reminiscent of a young DRC,” highlighting its potential for producing world-class Pinot Noir. The 2024 vintage continues this legacy, showcasing the vineyard’s capacity for elegance and depth through meticulous organic viticulture and minimal intervention winemaking.
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Scarce and site-driven – Just 1.78 acres of certified organic Pinot Noir from a high-density, experimental block adjacent to Serré.
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Edgy and complex – A lifted, savoury profile featuring red berries and bramble.
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Refined structure –