About the Wine
The vineyard is on a flat terrace at the bottom of the slopes on the western bank of the valley. A mixed of Schist from the mountains behind and river stone/fine gravel from the alluvial wash on the valley floor. 225 meters elevation.
Hand-picked, whole bunch pressed. Combined pressing and free run pre ferment. Settled, racked off heavy lees before going into barrel. Primary ferment finished by Spring. Wine spent 17 months in barrel. No battonage. Racked off fine lees after summer (10 months), then a second winter in barrel (7 months), total 17 months elevage. Racked into tank for one month before bottling.
Three new barrels (13% of total blend) out of the 23 barrels used was Remond (Troncais forest) in Ladoix Serrangy, Medium toast. Same barrel as Francois would use for the
Musigny Blanc at Domaine Comte Georges de Vogüé.
Decant before enjoying in its youth for full expression, and cellar with confidence for 10+ years from vintage.
Reviews
"Bright gold. Deep mineral, citrus and spicy oak aromas; very layered yet compact with saline intensity accompanying a more oxidative rather than fruity expression. In the mouth, this is very powerful with caramelised richness underpinning the weighty, palate-staining fruit.
Accessible already, this is showing some more developed lees savouriness yet also a youthfully crystalline acidity which holds the full body in check. Spicy, long butterscotch and oak notes trimming the very long finish. It will likely remain in a taut, restrained state for a couple of years before relaxing" – 96 pts – The Real Review – New Zealand White Wine of the Year
“Hibiscus, violet, orange blossom, flint, and lead pencil aromas. Perfumed. Medium-bodied with extremely creamy and fine tannins with a beautiful finish. Refined and classy. 4 tons made. Drinkable but better in two or three years.” – 96 pts – James Suckling
About Prophet's Rock
Prophet’s Rock, nestled in the heart of Central Otago, has earned its place as one of New Zealand’s most celebrated wineries.
Founded in the late 1990s, Prophet’s Rock was established with a vision to harness the unique terroir of Central Otago. The name Prophet’s Rock pays homage to a 19th-century gold prospector, capturing the spirit of exploration and discovery. Our vineyards were strategically planted on ancient glacial terraces in Bendigo in 1999 and 2000, chosen for their unique soils and ideal climate for cultivating cool-climate varietals.
In 2005, Paul Pujol joined Prophet’s Rock. His passion for cool-climate viticulture, nurtured through extensive work in France and the United States, has been instrumental in shaping our winemaking philosophy. Paul’s commitment to minimal intervention and terroir-driven winemaking reflects a profound respect for the natural characteristics of our vineyards.
Region: Central Otago
Country: New Zealand
Vintage: 2022
Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Closure: Cork
Grape: Chardonnay
