Prophet’s Rock Cuvee Aux Antipodes Blanc

The New Zealand White Wine of the Year winner! Geez, that’s got a nice ring to it! Judged by Masters of Wine Stephen Wong and Bob Campbell for The Real Review this incredible bottle of French inspired Central Otago Chardonnay took out the top spot.

Cuvée Aux Antipodes is the collaboration between Prophet’s Rock winemaker Paul Pujol (who spent time in Alsace back in the day) and French winemaker François Millet from Chambolle-Musigny. The project saw just one small parcel of Chardonnay and 23 barrels made with Paul and one of Burgundy’s most famous winemakers.

This is the only Chardonnay produced under the Prophet’s Rock label – and what a wine it is!

96/100, Top Rank Award & No.1 NZ White Wine (Stephen Wong, The Real Review)
“Bright gold. Deep mineral, citrus and spicy oak aromas; very layered yet compact with saline intensity accompanying a more oxidative rather than fruity expression. In the mouth, this is very powerful with caramelised richness underpinning the weighty, palate-staining fruit. Accessible already, this is showing some more developed lees savouriness yet also a youthfully crystalline acidity which holds the full body in check. Spicy, long butterscotch and oak notes trimming the very long finish. It will likely remain in a taut, restrained state for a couple of years before relaxing.”

96/100 (Jane Skilton MW)
“Winemaker Paul Pujol continues to refine his intriguing and remarkable chardonnay. The 2022 vintage spent less time in older barrels than its predecessors (18 months), but this is still unusual among NZ chardonnays. The resulting wine is not oaky but instead savoury and complex.”

With only 143 cases made there will be strong demand for this one. Grab it while you can, drink now or up to 15 years from vintage.