The 2022 Prophet’s Rock Olearia Pinot Noir is a refined 100% Pinot Noir from Rocky Point Vineyard in Bendigo, Central Otago, crafted by Paul Pujol from the site’s highest-elevation parcels. Named after the indigenous tree daisies growing around the vineyards, Olearia captures the character of a dramatic landscape overlooking Lake Dunstan. Steep slopes, decomposing schist and pockets of clay create a challenging environment for the vines, yielding fruit with distinctive energy and structure. The 2022 was handpicked and destemmed, retaining a high proportion of whole berries for indigenous-yeast fermentation. Extraction was deliberately gentle, with just one hand plunge during fermentation, followed by 17 months in French oak, 30% new, before bottling without fining or filtration.
The 2022 offers raspberry, strawberry, red and dark cherry, floral notes and baking spice, underpinned by a pronounced stony character. Erin Larkin of The Wine Advocate awarded the wine 94+ Points, highlighting graphite, dried bay leaf, liquorice, white pepper and pomegranate alongside its silky, restrained palate. Her assessment emphasises the chalky tannins and mineral texture carrying flavour through the long finish. Bob Campbell of The Real Review awarded it 94 Points, noting dark cherry, wood smoke, leather and subtle chocolate, supported by fine tannins. Together, these assessments describe a Pinot Noir whose appeal lies in its combination of aromatic detail, savoury complexity and finely defined structure.
