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The RAFI Drop: Prophet’s Rock
Meet The Maker: Prophet’s Rock
Unveil the artistry behind this months RAFI Drop: Prophet’s Rock ‘Rocky Point’ Pinot Noir, from Central Otago in New Zealand
Join us this August as we journey to Central Otago, New Zealand, where we’ll be in the company of the Prophet’s Rock team, delving into the intricate process of crafting their wines, right from the source.
Keep reading to find out more about the owner Paul Pujol, the winery, and discover the incredible flavours of this months RAFI Drop.
About The Winemaker
Paul Pujol is a Kiwi winemaker and owner of the picturesque Prophet’s Rock winery in Central Otago, New Zealand.
Drawn to French Pinot Noir and aromatic whites, he journeyed through three vintages: in Languedoc, Chavignol’s Henri Bourgeois, and Maison Kuentz-Bas in Alsace. He was offered the prestigious position of head winemaker at Maison Kuentz-Bas, the first time a non-family member headed the operation since the house was founded in 1795.
“Having caught the wine bug thanks to my crazy French dad and some university ‘wine appreciation’ (read- drinking) courses, I did post-grad Viticulture and Oenology. I worked one vintage in NZ and then promptly took-off to France where I worked for just shy of four years, most of that in Alsace.”
After a six year stint overseas, Paul’s path eventually led him back to the scenic landscapes of New Zealand, where he dedicated himself to Prophet’s Rock, infusing the essence of his travels into his wine making.
Paul’s wine of choice includes anything from the Burgundy village of Chambolle-Musigny (where he worked in 2009), or an aromatic white from Alsace.
About The Winery
Founded in the biggest discovery and development phase of Central Otago in the late 90’s, Prophet’s Rock exclusively makes wine from its own trio of vineyards.
Home Vineyard sits on a north-facing terrace about the Bendigo Station Homestead, with exceptional views, panoramic vistas and a rare mix of soils – schist, quartz, clay and alkaline chalk.
Rocky Point Vineyard is perched at the rugged Southern end of Bendigo. The shallow soils of this vineyard store heat, resulting in concentrated, deeply rich fruit.
Kopuwai Delta Vineyard Sits on a terrace overlooking the Clutha River at an elevation of 225m. Surrounded by towering mountains, the site has been shaped by rivers and glaciers.
The harvests are handpicked, and the approach is considered with long, slow ferments and extended maturation processes.
Prophet’s Rock grows and make Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Chardonnay, and are about to produce a tiny amount of Gewurztraminer and Muscat to complete the Alsace set of varieties.
About The RAFI Drop
2021 Prophet’s Rock ‘Rocky Point’ (Pinot Noir), Central Otago, NZ
Crafted with precision, this wine boasts concentration and elegance, embodying the sought-after aromatics and velvety tannins characteristic of exceptional Central Otago Pinot Noir. A combination of red stone fruit like plums and cherries, with intense herb and floral notes, the wine has bright fruit flavours, dusty tannins and a lingering finish.
Winemaker Paul Pujol, boasts an impressive journey, having crafted wines across the globe. Progressing through the French landscapes of Languedoc and Sancerre, he achieved a rare feat by becoming the inaugural foreign winemaker to lead Kuentz-Bas, an Alsatian winery.