The 2023 Prophet's Rock Cuvée Aux Antipodes Chardonnay is an extraordinary collaboration between Paul Pujol and François Millet, the legendary former winemaker of Domaine Comte Georges de Vogüé in Burgundy. Sourced from a tiny one-hectare Chardonnay vineyard in the Pisa sub-region of Central Otago, the fruit is whole-bunch pressed, wild fermented in French oak and matured for 17 months, with just 16% new oak. The nose is beautifully complex, revealing white peach, mandarin and citrus blossom layered with brioche, toasted macadamia and oyster shell minerality. Awarded 97 points by Inside Burgundy, it is one of New Zealand's finest Chardonnays.
On the palate, it is medium-bodied with a silky texture, vibrant acidity and remarkable mineral precision. Layers of white stone fruit, citrus and subtle lees complexity are supported by beautifully integrated oak, leading to a long, graceful finish with exceptional balance and finesse. Powerful yet understated, this is a world-class Chardonnay with the structure to evolve gracefully for many years.
Ben’s Recommendation:
The 2023 Prophet's Rock Cuvée Aux Antipodes Chardonnay is a magnificent Chardonnay that pairs beautifully with lobster, scallops, roast chicken, turbot, creamy seafood dishes or mature alpine cheeses. Enjoy now with a short decant, or cellar confidently through 2038+.
