2021 Prophet's Rock Cuvee Aux Antipodes Pinot Noir, Central Otago

Smoky oak and earthy spice complexity are just starting to show on this muscular and brooding black-fruited wine. The deep flavours are concentrated but still primary, with firm, sleek tannins which remain tight and unyielding. Powerful and dense, this will slowly unfurl in the coming years, but with a cooler-vintage austerity which will result in a more elegant wine in the long term 17 Nov 2024 Drink 2025–2036

95 points Stephen Wong MW therealreview.com

From one of Central Otago’s most ambitious cross continental collaborations, this Pinot Noir is a meeting of New Zealand terroir and Burgundian philosophy. Cuvée Aux Antipodes is crafted with input from François Millet of Domaine Comte Georges de Vogüé, bringing a classical Côte de Nuits lens to the schist slopes of Bendigo. Prophet’s Rock farms high altitude vineyards where extreme sunlight and cold alpine nights produce fruit of intensity and aromatic clarity. The aim is not to imitate Burgundy, but to translate Central Otago through a Burgundian sensitivity to texture, tannin and evolution.

The site is everything here. Bendigo’s warm, dry climate gives concentration, while elevation preserves acidity and lift. Winemaking is meticulous and restrained, with gentle extraction and patient élevage designed to build a wine that unfolds slowly rather than announces itself. It is structured for time, not immediate flash.

In the glass it shows a deep ruby with garnet hues. Aromas are layered and brooding, opening with black cherry, wild strawberry and plum, followed by rose petal, clove, forest floor and a smoky mineral note from the schist soils. With air, savoury and earthy tones emerge, adding depth and complexity.

The palate is medium to full bodied and architectural, with dense red and dark fruit wrapped in firm, finely grained tannins. A bright acid spine carries the wine long and precise, giving tension and shape. Flavours move from cherry and berry into spice, earth and mineral, finishing persistent and savoury. The texture is silky yet taut, built for long evolution.

It pairs beautifully with duck, venison, lamb and mushroom driven dishes. While compelling now with extended decanting, it will cellar effortlessly for ten to fifteen years, developing truffle, game and savoury complexity while retaining its alpine freshness.

This is Central Otago Pinot in a grand register, structured, mineral and contemplative, a wine that bridges hemispheres while staying rooted in place.