2021 Prophets Rock Central Otago Riesling

96 Points Parker's Wine Advocate
In stock
A future classic in Central Otago Riesling, the Prophet's Rock is serious quality. The Bendigo estate's elevated, free-draining schist soils are perfect for this grape, here producing an elegantly ripe fruit and a pristine minerality under the expertise of Alsace-trained winemaker, Paul Pujol. This tastes delicious now but will improve in bottle for a long time. Premium stuff.
$36.99 in mixed 6+ or $41.99 per bottle

Grape

Riesling

Its Origins

Established in 1999, Prophet’s Rock has become one of New Zealand’s most consistent boutique producers. The name comes from Central Otago’s goldmining pioneers (a physical landmark on a local claim), and the winery has retained an intensely local focus on its original vineyards and terroir - and the varieties that thrive there. Longtime winemaker Paul Pujol carried this ethic back from early work with legendary producers in France, especially in Burgundy, and with Maison Kuentz-Bas in Alsace. Prophet’s Rock maintain deep values of sustainable vineyard management as well as a very European sensibility, allowing wines to express each vintage. While capturing beautiful varietal expression, they pursue in each wine the less obvious - but more satisfying and food orientated - virtues of vinous texture, balance, complexity, and length. In doing so they can achieve an understated depth, harmony, and sometimes extreme age-worthiness that is highly unusual in New Zealand. Their home block is on an elevated site in Bendigo, with the ‘second’ vineyard Rocky Point in Southern Bendigo, on a steep site above lake Dunstan.

What The Critics Say

96/100 Parker's Wine Advocate, Erin Larkin

"The 2021 Dry Riesling is restrained and complex on the nose. Matured fully in old oak barrels, the wine shows very little evidence of this aromatically. Instead of appearing overtly spicy and “of oak,” the fruit leads with preserved citrus, yuzu, brine, white flowers and wet limestone. In the mouth, the wine is softly framed and chalky, with a gentle cloth-y texture and white tea phenolics through the finish. Taut, a little febrile, and totally layered, this is exciting drinking now and a magnificent cellaring proposition for the next couple of decades. It's worth mentioning that I believe this wine to be insanely underpriced for the quality and site-specific eloquence that it offers. Call it a gem from the New World. 12.5% alcohol, sealed under Diam. Drink 2023-2041"

Winemakers Note 2021

"This wine represents a very small portion of our overall production but has always been a strong focus for Prophet’s Rock. We farm our aromatic whites to the same high standard in the vineyard as our top Pinot Noir, and take time through all aspects of production to ensure that the wine we release is the best reflection of the site it can be. This is a dry style with bright aromatics and great concentration. The freshness and texture make it an easy food match. Very intense, lively aromas of orange blossom, lime and crisp green apple, with jasmine floral notes. Beautifully structured wine, with great balance and acidity. Citrus fruits continue through the palate, with a hint of oyster shell, and a beautiful textured and lingering finish. While drinking superbly on release, this wine will continue to improve and evolve for years to come."

93/100 James Suckling (2020 vintage)

"An attractive nose of lemon curd, fresh thyme, rosemary, white peaches and freshly cut grass. Medium-bodied. Mineral and succulent with rounded fruit character. Fresh acidity. Delicious and dry. Drink or hold.

Variety Riesling
Region Central Otago
Closure Cork
Volume 750ml
Maturity 2022 - 2035

This Wine Goes Well With

with CANAPES
with PORK
with SALMON

Taste

2

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