2018 Prophet's Rock Retrospect Pinot Noir

Brand	Prophet's Rock
Region	Central Otago
Varietal	Pinot Noir
Size	750ml
Alcohol %	14.0%
Vintage	2018
Country	New Zealand
Organically Grown

Prophet’s Rock is a small Bendigo vineyard with a reputation hugely disproportionate to its size. Overlooking Lake Dunstan, it’s a landscape strewn with rocky schist and the tumble-down remains of old gold miners’ cottages. Winemaker Paul Pujol nurtures his Pinot Noir vines, battling unforgiving conditions to make unforgettable wines. Paul’s Old World winemaking philosophy was shaped by three consecutive vintages in Sancerre, Alsace, and the Languedoc. His turning point for Pinot Noir came via an invitation to work vintage in the hallowed cellars of Domaine Comte Georges de Vogue in Burgundy, whose vineyards include the legendary Grand Crus of Bonnes-Mares and Musigny. It was a priceless experience and Paul has put those winemaking lessons to stunning effect with his recent releases.

the bouquet shows fruit and depth that goes beyond most NZ Pinots, reminiscent of Burgundy. A perfumed lift of red berries, undergrowth, crushed thyme with an earthy layering and minerality.

The core of vibrant red fruits is poised, still showing primary fruit with a nerviness that engages on the first sip. It’s hard to imagine this has approximately 5 years bottle maturation already as it’s as fresh as. The tannins a silky smooth and linger right to the firm, yet polished finished. Drinking well from now but will cellar another 10years+. Serve with gamey meats.