Prophet's Rock Cuvée Aux Antipodes Blanc 2022

Prophet’s Rock is one of New Zealand’s most celebrated wineries. Their story began in the late 1990s, Prophet’s Rock aim to harness the unique terroir of Central Otago. The name Prophet’s Rock pays homage to a 19th-century gold prospector, a fitting name that captures the spirit of exploration and discovery. The vineyards were strategically planted on ancient glacial terraces in Bendigo in 1999 and 2000, chosen for their unique soils and ideal climate for cultivating cool-climate varietals​. In 2005, Paul Pujol joined Prophet’s Rock. His passion for cool-climate viticulture, nurtured through extensive work in France and the United States, has been integral in shaping their winemaking philosophy. Paul’s commitment to minimal intervention and terroir-driven winemaking reflects a profound respect for the natural characteristics of our vineyards.

Paul Pujol’s philosophy is a unique blend of global experience and deep respect for terroir. His career began in Marlborough, but it was his work in France that shaped his approach. At Maison Kuentz-Bas in Alsace, Paul became the first non-French head winemaker since the estate’s founding in 1795, producing wines from six Grand Cru vineyards. This empowering experience taught him the importance of minimal intervention and the expression of the vineyard’s natural characteristics​.

Paul went on to refine his skills in Oregon, but his most transformative experience came from his collaboration with François Millet of Domaine Comte Georges de Vogüé in Burgundy. This partnership, which began in 2009, has brought a new dimension to their winemaking approach, emphasising the expression of terroir and the importance of gentle handling to preserve the integrity of the fruit. The influence of old-world techniques, combined with a focus on innovation, has positioned Prophet’s Rock as a leader in producing wines that are both elegant and expressive.