Prophet's Rock Dry Riesling 2022

Winemaker Paul Pujol refined his trade working in France’s classical wine regions, the Languedoc, Sancerre and, crucially, Burgundy and Alsace. His traditional aesthetic — respectful, patient, vineyard-focused – resonates in Prophet Rock's wines, and frees them to express the unique tenor of our sites. Each glass, then, embodies both the old world and the new, past and present unified by place. At Prophet’s Rock, they are committed to sustainable wine production. Their vines sit comfortably in the natural environment that surrounds them, and they treat these surroundings with care. Prophet’s Rock is a member of Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand.

The wine's journey starts in the vines, where low yielding fruit is grown with great concentration and flavour, followed by harvesting done by hand. Prophet's Rock Pinot Gris and Riesling are slowly and gently whole-bunch pressed, then undergoes long slow ferments in barrel and aging on yeast lees prior to bottling just before the next harvest. They farm their aromatic whites to the same high standard in the vineyard as their top Pinot Noir, and take time through all aspects of production ensuring the wine they release are the best reflection of the site it can be. In barrel, the wines go through spontaneous malolactic fermentation and receive extended élevage. This is a dry style with bright aromatics and great concentration. The freshness and texture make it an easy food match.  

The 2022 Riesling is singing right out of the gate. Intense and complex aromas of lemons, sweet limes and citrus blossom, with underlying notes of lavender, cardamon and ginger. The palate continues the citrus theme – fresh lemons, lemon curd and ruby grapefruit, with ripe yellow plums. Although the palate is generous with fruit weight, the finish is long and dry, beautifully balanced with the high natural acidity and stoney texture from the schist soils of the Rocky Point vineyard.

Attractive crushed stones, grapefruit and lemon peel with some light, lees-derived, pastry-like notes, too. The palate has impressively fresh and lively flavours with bright peaches and lemons holding long and smooth. Layered yet piercing textural style here. Drink now. - JamesSuckling.com 

The Finer Details
Style - White Wine
Varietal - Riesling
Country - New Zealand
Region - Central Otago
Vintage - 2022
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 12.5%