Founded in Central Otago, Prophet’s Rock is celebrated for crafting wines of purity, texture, and site expression. The Retrospect Pinot Noir represents the pinnacle of the estate’s philosophy — a rare, late-release museum selection made only in the finest vintages and cellared for years before release. It embodies the patience, precision, and timeless elegance that define Prophet’s Rock.
Vineyard
Sourced exclusively from the Home Vineyard in Bendigo, planted on steep north-facing slopes of schist and clay, the fruit expresses the raw beauty of Central Otago’s alpine terroir. The region’s pronounced diurnal temperature range produces grapes of remarkable balance — concentrated fruit, vibrant acidity, and finely woven tannins.
Winemaking
Winemaker Paul Pujol follows traditional Burgundian techniques: whole-bunch fermentation, gentle extraction, and long maturation in French oak barrels (around 30% new). Bottled unfined and unfiltered, the wine was cellared at the Prophet’s Rock estate until reaching its first stage of maturity, then released under the Retrospect label to reveal its evolving complexity and depth.
Vintage
The 2019 season was defined by a warm, dry summer and a beautifully even ripening period. Moderate yields and exceptional fruit health produced wines of both power and precision — elegant yet structured, with purity of flavour and longevity assured.
Tasting Notes
The 2019 Retrospect Pinot Noir opens with lifted aromas of dark cherry, red plum, and rose petal, layered with savoury spice, forest floor, and mineral undertones. The palate is seamless and textural, showcasing supple tannins and bright acidity leading to a long, graceful finish. A wine that captures both Central Otago’s energy and Burgundian finesse.
Technical Information
Region: Central Otago, New Zealand
Subregion: Bendigo
Variety: 100% Pinot Noir
Winemaker: Paul Pujol
Alcohol: ~13.5%
Maturation: 17 months in French oak (approx. 30% new)
Closure: Cork
Drinking Window: 2024–2035+
A Rare Museum Release
Aged with care and precision, the 2019 Retrospect Pinot Noir stands as a quiet testament to time and terroir — refined, expressive, and profoundly elegant. Available only in limited quantities, it is a collector’s treasure from one of New Zealand’s most acclaimed Pinot Noir producers.
