PROPHET'S ROCK RETROSPECT PINOT NOIR CENTRAL OTAGO 2018 750ml

ABOUT THE WINE

Prophet’s Rock, established in 1999 in Central Otago, New Zealand, is a boutique winery celebrated for its artisanal approach to crafting exceptional Pinot Noir, Riesling, and Pinot Gris. Nestled in the rugged, picturesque landscape of the world’s southernmost wine region, the winery operates two organically certified vineyards: the Home Vineyard in Bendigo and the Rocky Point Vineyard in Lowburn. These sites, perched at elevations of 320–390 meters, benefit from unique soils of clay, limestone, schist, and quartz, shaped by ancient glacial activity, imparting distinctive minerality and intensity to the wines. Under the guidance of acclaimed winemaker Paul Pujol, Prophet’s Rock employs minimal-intervention techniques, indigenous yeasts, and meticulous vineyard management to express the region’s terroir.
Prophet’s Rock Retrospect Pinot Noir 2018 is a rare and prestigious offering from the acclaimed Central Otago winery, Prophet’s Rock, located in New Zealand’s southernmost wine region. Crafted by winemaker Paul Pujol, this wine is produced only in exceptional vintages, with the 2018 release showcasing the finest fruit from the organic-certified Home Vineyard in the Bendigo sub-region. Planted on clay, limestone, schist, and quartz soils at 320–390 meters elevation, the vineyard’s unique terroir, shaped by ancient glacial activity, imparts intensity and minerality. The 2018 Retrospect was vinified using indigenous yeasts, with minimal extraction and 17 months of aging in French oak (35% new).

TASTING NOTE:

The 2018 Retrospect Pinot Noir opens with an alluring bouquet of black cherry, violets, graphite, and subtle baking spices, with hints of earth and truffle. On the palate, it delivers a refined, medium-bodied structure with silky tannins, vibrant acidity, and concentrated flavors of dark plum, cassis, and wild herbs, underscored by smoky mineral notes and a touch of oak. Its texture is seamless, with a long, savory finish. With a 13.5% ABV, this wine is drinking beautifully now with decanting but is built to evolve gracefully through 2030–2038.