2023 Prophets Rock Central Otago Pinot Gris
Grape
Pinot Gris
Its Origins
Established in 1999, Prophet’s Rock has become one of New Zealand’s most consistent boutique producers. The name comes from Central Otago’s goldmining pioneers (a physical landmark on a local claim), and the winery has retained an intensely local focus on its original vineyards and terroir - and the varieties that thrive there. Longtime winemaker Paul Pujol carried this ethic back from early work with legendary producers in France, especially in Burgundy, and with Maison Kuentz-Bas in Alsace. Prophet’s Rock maintain deep values of sustainable vineyard management as well as a very European sensibility, allowing wines to express each vintage. While capturing beautiful varietal expression, they pursue in each wine the less obvious - but more satisfying and food orientated - virtues of vinous texture, balance, complexity, and length. In doing so they can achieve an understated depth, harmony, and sometimes extreme age-worthiness that is highly unusual in New Zealand. Their home block is on an elevated site in Bendigo, with the ‘second’ vineyard Rocky Point in Southern Bendigo, on a steep site above lake Dunstan.
What The Critics Say
Winemaker notes on current 2023 vintage
"This wine opens up with intriguing aromas of nashi pear, white peach and lemon curd, with subtle note of white florals. The palate shows concentration and the complexity of some time in old barrels. White peach, pears, honeysuckle, brioche as well as an almost ruby grapefruit like acidity. Beautifully balanced between fresh acidity and just a lick of sweetness, this wine finishes long and textural. Cellar with confidence for 10+ years from vintage."
94/100 Parker's Wine Advocate, Erin Larkin (2022 vintage)
"The 2022 Pinot Gris is fabulously dry and textural, with crushed rocks, white flowers, hints of nashi pear (and pear drops), white tea and brine in the mouth. The wine flows seamlessly from start to finish and is a complex but silky rendition of the variety. It makes sense that Winemaker Paul Pujol has a good sense of the variety, having worked in Alsace at Maison Kuentz-Bas for three years prior to coming to Prophet's Rock. Fully matured in old oak, the wine is fresh but also very long and lingering—a sure sign that it has a long future in front of it. 14% alcohol, sealed under Diam."
93/100 Vinous, Rebecca Gibb MW (2022 vintage)
"Savory, succulent and seductive, the 2022 Pinot Gris positively expands, opening like a flower in the sun. It is delectably textured, no doubt helped by wild fermentation in older barrel and time on lees. A lick of residual sugar adds tenderness rather than sweetness, well balanced by unusually high natural acidity for Gris (thanks to the high diurnal range, elevated vineyard and latitudinal location). White talc, pear and flinty notes combine to make an attractive flavor combination that lingers long. Prophet's Rock retains its crown as probably the finest producer of Pinot Gris in the country, showing what a bit of tender loving care can do when it comes to this variety."
| Variety | Pinot Gris |
|---|---|
| Region | Central Otago |
| Closure | Cork |
| Volume | 750ml |
| Maturity | 2024 - 2034 |
This Wine Goes Well With
Taste
We deliver throughout New Zealand and to some locations overseas. Our deliveries are made by trusted third party carriers. For further details on prices and delivery options please go to DELIVERY INFORMATION section of our site.
If for any reason you are not entirely happy with your order or you suspect that they may be affected by a quality issue, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will remedy the problem straight away. Contact us on 0800 422 767.
