2023 Prophet's Rock Cuvee Aux Antipodes Blanc Chardonnay, Central Otago

A collaboration between two of the world's finest Chardonnay minds, Cuvée Aux Antipodes unites Central Otago pioneer Paul Pujol with François Millet, the legendary former winemaker of Domaine Comte Georges de Vogüé in Burgundy. Produced in tiny quantities, this remarkable wine brings together New Zealand's pristine alpine vineyards with Burgundian philosophy, creating one of the Southern Hemisphere's most compelling Chardonnays.

Sourced from the rocky schist soils of Bendigo, the fruit benefits from warm days, cool alpine nights and a long growing season that preserves exceptional natural acidity and purity. Thoughtful barrel fermentation and extended lees maturation add texture and complexity while allowing the vineyard's mineral character to remain the defining feature.

The colour is a brilliant pale gold with green highlights. Aromas of white peach, preserved lemon and grapefruit unfold alongside hazelnut, flint and delicate white flowers. The palate is beautifully detailed, combining vibrant citrus and stone fruit with creamy texture, finely judged oak and a striking mineral backbone. Layers of saline freshness and chalky precision build through an exceptionally long, poised finish that reflects the ambition of this extraordinary collaboration.

A magnificent companion to butter poached lobster, roasted turbot, hand dived scallops, roast chicken with morels or truffle infused risotto. Although captivating today, this is a world class Chardonnay that will continue to evolve gracefully for well over a decade.