Prophet’s Rock Cuvée Aux Antipodes Pinot Noir 2020, Central Otago, NZD $119
Cuvée aux Antipodes is the joint venture between Prophet’s Rock winemaker Paul Pujol and François Millet, who recently left Domaine Comte Georges de Vogüé. Pujol worked a vintage at de Vogüé and since 2016, François has made a special cuvée of delicious pinot noir from one part of the Prophet’s Rock home block. (He now also makes a wonderful chardonnay from Prophet’s Rock’s third vineyard, across Lake Dunstan.) Using techniques he perfected with Musigny, Millet also practises infusion with this arresting pinot noir.
Elegant, restrained nose of dark fruits, violet and spice, wrapped in smoky oak. The palate is seriously concentrated with orange peel, lots of spice and layers of complexity. Very long, evolving and refined, this is in another class altogether. Fruit, florals and wood crash in waves across the peacock’s tail finish. Magnificent stuff. (Diam)
Score: 97 ★★★★★ – view original tasting note
Alcohol: 13.5%
Ageing: now to 2039
Food: maqluba or qidreh with slow-cooked lamb
Stockist: Prophet’s Rock Wines; Franc About Wine (AU distributor)
Ranked: #4 of 105 2020 Pinot Noir from Central Otago
Awarded: Top Rank
This Article was originally published on The Real Review
