Product Information:
Prophet's 2021 Rock Vin De Paille (or straw wine) is an ancient wine style in modern hands. A rare gem, this unique wine is made using an ancient technique of drying the grapes after harvest (traditionally on straw shelves). Just one barrel is made, expect complexity and richness, with a balancing fresh finish. The 2021 vintage shows juicy pear, quince, and vibrant florals on the nose. Yellow and stone fruits, especially nectarine drive the palate. Generous on the palate, but remains focussed and driven by great freshness, leading to an exceptionally long and bright finish.
This wine comes from a high-elevation, a single parcel of Pinot Gris, located on our spectacular Rocky Point Vineyard. This very steep site has schist-based soil with high mineral content and low vigour (consistently average 30-35 hl/ha). In the vineyard this equates to one bunch maximum per shoot, no shoulders or wings, and a further green-thin at veraison to control yields and increase flavour concentration.
Maker:
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.
Vineyard:
Prophet’s Rock are firm believers that outstanding wine begins in the vineyard. Their unique terroir - ancient soils, diverse microclimates, and breath-taking scenery—combines to produce wines that reflect the land’s exceptional qualities. Here’s a look at their key vineyards and the origins of their renowned wines. They have three sites Home Vineyard, Rocky Point Vineyard and Kopuwai Delta Vineyard.
Home Vineyard Situated on a north-facing terrace above Bendigo Station Homestead, the Home Vineyard offers sweeping views of the Cromwell Basin and Pisa Range. At an elevation of 320 to 400 metres, the vineyard’s steep slopes capture maximum sunlight and cool night temperatures, enhancing flavour development and freshness. The soil profile features a rare combination of schist, quartz, clay, and a layer of alkaline chalk, which supports optimal nutrient uptake and water retention, ideal for Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris, with Chardonnay, Muscat, and Gewurztraminer planned for the future.
Rocky Point Vineyard located at the rugged southern end of Bendigo, the Rocky Point Vineyard is noted for its steep slopes, rising from 226 to 351 metres. The stony, free-draining soils store and release heat overnight, benefiting the Pinot Noir, Riesling, and Pinot Gris vines. These challenging conditions result in concentrated, rich fruit, producing wines with a profound sense of place.
Kopuwai Delta Vineyard Perched on a terrace overlooking the Clutha River, the Kopuwai Delta Vineyard is named after a powerful Maori taniwha. At 225 metres elevation, and nestled between the Pisa and Bendigo ranges, the vineyard benefits from low-vigor, free-draining soils made up of schist, loess, alluvium, and rounded river stones. This distinctive location and microclimate contribute to the production of Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay with exceptional purity and flavour.
Nose - Lifted Tropical Fruits, Szechuan Peppercorn, Creamy Notes
Lifted nose with intense aromas of pineapple and Szechuan peppercorn lead into some deeply oily, creamy aromas.
Palate - Yellow Stone Fruits, Sweet, Voluptuous
The palate is sweet, unctuous and voluptuous - given definition by incredible acidity. Simultaneously sweet but light and detailed.
Finish - Honey, Dried Pineapple, Bright Finish
Fine grip with an exceptionally long and bright finish.
Deep gold. Lifted nose with volatile aromas of pineapple and szechuan peppercorn lead into some deeply oily, creamy aromas. The palate is intensely sweet, unctuous and voluptuous—given definition by incredible acidity and a powder-fine phenolic grip on the decadently sweet, honeyed finish of dried pineapples. A very, very young sweet wine with a long future, this is at once light and detailed while being incredibly sweet. - Huon Hook, The Real Review, 96 Points.
The Finer Details
Style - White Wine
Varietal - Pinot Gris
Country - New Zealand
Region - Central Otago
Vintage - 2021
Bottle Size - 375ml
ABV - 11%
