Prophet’s Rock Cuvee Aux Antipodes Pinot Noir 2019

Winemaker Paul Pujol refined his trade working in France’s classical wine regions, the Languedoc, Sancerre and, crucially, Burgundy and Alsace. His traditional aesthetic — respectful, patient, vineyard-focused – resonates in Prophet Rock’s wines, and frees them to express the unique tenor of our sites. Each glass, then, embodies both the old world and the new, past and present unified by place. At Prophet’s Rock, they are committed to sustainable wine production. Their vines sit comfortably in the natural environment that surrounds them, and they treat these surroundings with care. Prophet’s Rock is a member of Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand. Rocky Pinot on schist based soil and Kopuwai Delta on a mix of glacial and alluvial deposits. The wine’s journey starts in the vines, where low yielding fruit is grown with great concentration and flavour, followed by harvesting done by hand. Their Pinot Noir requires minimal extraction due to the natural concentration of the fruit, and is fermented using only indigenous yeast from the vineyard. In barrel, the wines go through spontaneous malolactic fermentation and receive extended élevage. The Prophet’s Rock Pinot Noir are bottled unfiltered and are cellared before release. The Cuvée Aux Antipodes represents the meeting and friendship of two winemakers, Paul Pujol and Francois Millet from the two hemispheres. The Old and the New World seemingly so distant, join here in a human and winemaking adventure with a common passion for Pinot Noir and the beauty of its terroirs. The grapes of this wine were sourced from their Home Vineyard which is located on a high-elevation, steep glacial terrace in the Bendigo sub-region of Central Otago. This stunning site has clay and pedogenic lime soil, featuring schist and quartz. Cellaring will reward collectors over the next 10+ years from vintage. This wine is captivating and complex, earthy and savoury yet elegant and fine. It gives fruity aromas of cherries. citrus, dark berries, plum and red berries. However it is also earthy, herbal and smooth which makes it very vibrant and exciting. A collaboration wine between Burgundian Francois Millet and Prophet’s Rock’s Paul Pujol. This makes a very harmonious impression on the nose with red cherries, spice, hazelnuts, red florals, fresh tobacco and light earthy nuances. The palate has a very neatly coiled and layered feel with tannins that unfurl and lift the finish. Red-cherry and pastry flavors are delivered in vibrant mode. Some blueberries, too. Drink or hold. – Nick Stock, 96 points The Finer Details Style – Red Wine Varietal – Pinot Noir Country – New Zealand Region – Central Otago Vintage – 2019 Bottle Size – 750ml ABV – 14%