2022 Prophet's Rock Cuvee Aux Antipodes Pinot Noir, Central Otago

Elegant, red fruit, subtle complexity. Lovely ripe, fine tannins. Still youthful. Flowing, melting coulis rather than crystalline. A wine of finesse with just a touch of warmth on the back. Everything in place, quiet but also commanding presence in the mouth. Very long 20 Nov 2025 Drink 2025–2031

96 points Stephen Wong 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.