Awards, Ratings & Reviews
97/100 — James Suckling · 2023 Vintage
"A refined and beautifully detailed Chardonnay with aromas of white peach, citrus blossom, crushed stone and subtle spice. Seamless, mineral and wonderfully precise with exceptional length and energy."
96/100 — The Real Review · 2023 Vintage
A benchmark cool-climate Chardonnay showing outstanding purity, saline minerality and remarkable balance, with the structure to age gracefully for many years.
About This Wine
The 2023 Prophet's Rock Cuvée Aux Antipodes Blanc is an exceptional collaboration between Prophet's Rock winemaker Paul Pujol and legendary Burgundian vigneron François Millet, former winemaker of Domaine Comte Georges de Vogüé. Their shared philosophy combines the precision of Burgundy with the unique terroir of Central Otago, producing one of New Zealand's finest Chardonnays.
Fruit is sourced from the organically farmed Home Vineyard in Bendigo, Central Otago, where ancient schist, quartz, clay and limestone-rich soils contribute remarkable mineral tension and finesse. The outstanding 2023 vintage delivered fruit of exceptional purity, natural acidity and concentration, perfectly expressing this unique site.
Winemaking follows a restrained Burgundian philosophy. Indigenous yeast fermentation, extended lees maturation and ageing in French oak barrels build texture and complexity while preserving the vineyard's crystalline fruit and mineral expression. Every decision is made to maximise site transparency rather than winemaking influence.
The bouquet reveals white peach, nectarine, Meyer lemon and citrus blossom layered with hazelnut, flint, brioche and delicate spice. The palate is simultaneously powerful and elegant, combining creamy texture with vibrant acidity and a distinctive saline mineral backbone. Fine oak integration supports the wine's remarkable precision, leading to an exceptionally long, focused and energetic finish.
Although already captivating with decanting, the 2023 Cuvée Aux Antipodes Blanc Chardonnay is built for extended cellaring and will continue to gain complexity over the next 15–20 years.
Specifications
Vintage: 2023
Grape Variety: 100% Chardonnay
Region: Bendigo, Central Otago, New Zealand
Sweetness: Dry
Maturation: Wild fermented and matured in French oak with extended lees ageing
Alcohol: 13.0%
Closure: Diam Cork
Drinking Window: 2026–2043
