Founded in Central Otago, New Zealand, Prophet’s Rock is celebrated for crafting wines of purity, texture, and site expression. The Cuvée Aux Antipodes is its most exclusive release — a collaboration between Prophet’s Rock winemaker Paul Pujol and Burgundy’s François Millet, formerly of Domaine Comte Georges de Vogüé in Chambolle-Musigny. This partnership unites New World terroir with Old World philosophy, producing a Pinot Noir of profound elegance and depth.
VineyardSourced from Prophet’s Rock’s Home Vineyard in Bendigo, the Cuvée Aux Antipodes comes from north-facing slopes planted on schist and clay soils at high elevation. The site’s extreme diurnal range delivers grapes of stunning balance — vibrant acidity, fine tannins, and deep concentration. The wine was crafted using traditional Burgundian methods: whole-bunch fermentation, minimal extraction, and 17 months in French oak (30% new), bottled unfined and unfiltered.
VintageThe 2020 vintage was one of Central Otago’s finest in recent memory — a dry, even season with moderate yields and exceptional fruit quality. The resulting wines display superb clarity, balance, and aromatic precision, combining concentration with refined structure.
Tasting NotesThe 2020 Cuvée Aux Antipodes Pinot Noir reveals a deep garnet hue with lifted aromas of wild strawberry, cherry, and rose petal, layered with savoury notes of forest floor, spice, and mineral. The palate is refined and textural, offering silky tannins and a long, finely woven finish. It captures the tension between power and finesse — New Zealand purity meeting Burgundian restraint.
Critics’ Acclaim
98 points – Cameron Douglas MS
97 points – Bob Campbell MW
96 points – James SucklingUniversally praised for its precision, balance, and seamless elegance — a defining modern Pinot Noir from Central Otago.
Technical Information
Region: Central Otago, New Zealand
Subregion: Bendigo
Variety: 100% Pinot Noir
Alcohol: ~13.5%
Maturation: 17 months in French oak (30% new)
Closure: Cork
Drinking Window: 2024–2045+
A Collectible GemThe 2020 Prophet’s Rock Cuvée Aux Antipodes Pinot Noir stands as a bridge between Burgundy and Central Otago — refined, textural, and timeless. It represents one of New Zealand’s most elegant and age-worthy expressions of Pinot Noir, destined to become a modern classic.