Prophet's Rock Dry Riesling 2023

Prophet’s Rock Dry Riesling 2023

• Region: Central Otago
• Sub-Region: Bendigo
• Varieties: Riesling

Vineyard From Prophet’s Rock, a small Bendigo estate with two vineyards, made from schist soils at its Rocky Point site. Winemaker Paul Pujol spent three years as chief winemaker at Kuentz-Bas in Alsace, and the Riesling follows Alsatian methods with meticulous handling and low yields. The 2023 season had regular rain in November, a warm, dry fruit set in December, and a warm, very dry January and February that cooled in late February. It was harvested on 17 April. It is a dry style at 13.5% alcohol.

Wine The nose is grapefruit, lemon curd and key lime with jasmine, ginger and nutmeg. The palate is driven by a complex citrus line, with honeycomb and brioche notes adding texture and weight. Natural acidity gives lovely length and shows the schist soils. It is enjoyable now and should cellar well to about 2033.

Food Pairings

• Fresh shellfish
• Roast chicken
• Spiced Asian dishes

Accolades (2023)

• 96/100 points — John Caro
• 95/100 points — Stephen Wong MW, The Real Review (ranked #5 of 27 2023 Central Otago Rieslings)