The 2019 Prophet’s Rock Cuvée Aux Antipodes Pinot Noir is a distinguished 100% Pinot Noir from Bendigo in New Zealand’s Central Otago, created through a collaboration between Paul Pujol and François Millet, the longtime winemaker behind Burgundy’s celebrated Domaine Comte Georges de Vogüé. First released with the 2015 vintage, Cuvée Aux Antipodes comes exclusively from the same selected parcel within Prophet’s Rock’s Home Vineyard. This steep, elevated glacial terrace contains an unusual combination of clay, pedogenic lime, schist and quartz, providing a distinctive setting for Pinot Noir. The wine’s significance lies in bringing Millet’s experience in Chambolle-Musigny to a specific Central Otago site, with an emphasis on expressing its character through gentle extraction.
The 2019 offers black cherry, dark berries, floral perfume, dried herbs, tea leaves and spice, supported by bright acidity and a finely textured but substantial tannin structure. Rebecca Gibb MW of Vinous awarded the wine 97 Points, highlighting its density, smooth texture and refined handling of Bendigo’s naturally muscular tannins. Her assessment emphasises both its concentration and its potential for long ageing. It also received 96 Points from JamesSuckling.com, whose review praised its purity, mineral focus and fine texture. This is a serious, structured Pinot Noir whose floral detail and precision bring elegance to its underlying power.
