2022 Prophets Rock Cuvee Aux Antipodes Blanc
Grape
Chardonnay
Its Origins
The Cuvee Aux Antipodes is a collaboration between Francois Millet (winemaker for 35 years at the legendary Comtes Georges de Vogüé in Burgundy) and Prophet's Rock in Central Otago. Established in 1999, Prophet’s Rock has become one of New Zealand’s most consistent boutique producers. Since the first release in 2018, this wine has been sourced exclusively from the small one hectare Chardonnay block on their Kopuwai Delta vineyard, located in the Pisa sub-region of Central Otago. This site has a mix of glacial and alluvial soil. Meticulous viticulture and the site’s low elevation help to ensure full ripeness and concentration. A strong focus on viticulture is the foundation of the winemaking approach. Yields are consistently managed to 25-30hl/ha or approximately 3.5-4ton/ha. All elements of the winemaking are directed by François who has formed a consistent approach to this parcel since 2018. The handpicked fruit is whole-bunch pressed and fermented in barrel using only indigenous ‘wild’ yeast. The wine then spends 17 months in barrel (16% new) and undergoes indigenous malolactic fermentation. The wine is bottled unfiltered under Diam cork.“This wine is the reflect of the Clutha River flowing just below, mineral, transparent and luminous. There is nothing exotic, “artificial” or “made up” about the expression of this wine. That shows again the link between what is emanating from the land, the feeling you have from it and the expression of the wines.” - François Millet.
What The Critics Say
96/100 RobertParker.com, Erin Larkin
"The 2022 Cuvée Aux Antipodes Blanc is a magnificent triumph of yields. Where previously this 1.8-hectare plot produced anywhere from six to eight barrels of wine, the 2022 produced 23 barrels of wine—very exciting for followers of this cuvée. On the nose, the wine is showing its youth, but far from being inchoate, it is long and polished through the very long finish. It's got lashings of stone fruit and preserved citrus, white pepper, star anise, shaved fennel, juniper and cold buttered toast. This is a wonderful wine of potential and kaleidoscopic complexity, although it is far tighter and more compact than previous years. Searingly good. This was an unlabeled bottle pre-release. 13% alcohol, sealed under Diam." Drink 2023 - 2040
96/100 The REal Review, Stephen Wong
"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 28 MAR 2024." Drink 2025 - 2037
Variety | Chardonnay |
---|---|
Region | Central Otago |
Closure | Cork |
Volume | 750ml |
Alcohol | 13.00% |
Maturity | 2024 - 2040 |
This Wine Goes Well With
Taste
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