Awards, Ratings & Reviews
97/100 — Decanter · 2022 Vintage
"Here, renowned Chambolle-Musigny winemaker François Millet takes the reins. The 2022 is the eighth vintage of a remarkable collaboration, combining remarkable finesse, purity and mineral precision."
97/100 — James Suckling · 2022 Vintage
"A beautifully detailed Pinot Noir with aromas of plum, cherry, rose petals, blood orange and wild herbs. Elegant yet powerful, with silky tannins, vibrant acidity and exceptional length."
About This Wine
The 2022 Prophet's Rock Cuvée Aux Antipodes Pinot Noir is the eighth release of the acclaimed collaboration between Prophet's Rock winemaker Paul Pujol and legendary Burgundian vigneron François Millet, former cellar master of Domaine Comte Georges de Vogüé. Produced in tiny quantities, it represents one of New Zealand's most sought-after Pinot Noirs and a benchmark expression of Central Otago terroir.
Sourced from a single parcel within the organically certified Home Vineyard in Bendigo, the vineyard's ancient schist, clay and limestone-rich soils naturally produce low yields and exceptional fruit concentration. The outstanding 2022 growing season delivered fruit of remarkable aromatic purity, finesse and structural balance.
Winemaking follows François Millet's Burgundian philosophy of restraint and precision. Indigenous yeast fermentation, extremely gentle extraction and 17 months' maturation in French oak barrels (35% new) allow the vineyard to speak with remarkable clarity. The wine is bottled unfined and unfiltered to preserve its texture, energy and ageing potential.
The bouquet is intensely perfumed with plum, wild cherry, raspberry and blood orange layered over rose petals, flowering thyme, violet, black tea, crushed rock and delicate savoury spice. The palate is both graceful and powerful, offering crystalline red and blue fruits, vibrant natural acidity, ultra-fine silky tannins and extraordinary mineral tension. The finish is exceptionally long, seamless and precise, reflecting both the pedigree of the vineyard and the Burgundian influence of François Millet.
Although already captivating with careful decanting, the 2022 Cuvée Aux Antipodes Pinot Noir is built for extended cellaring and will continue to evolve beautifully for two decades or more.
Specifications
Vintage: 2022
Grape Variety: 100% Pinot Noir
Region: Bendigo, Central Otago, New Zealand
Sweetness: Dry
Maturation: 17 months in French oak barrels (35% new)
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Diam Cork
Drinking Window: 2026–2045+
