Wine Orbit Reviews – All Prophet’s Rock wines score 90+ Points.
We submitted a full range of the Prophet’s Rock and Rocky Point wines both past and present to New Zealand based wine reviewer Sam Kim, publisher of the independent monthly guide WineOrbit.
We were thrilled to receive the following reviews in which the entire range scored 90 points and above. You can read the reviews below or view a PDF version Prophet’s Rock Wine Orbit Reviews Oct 2011.
Consistently strong reviews like these are a testament to the hard work of the Prophet’s Rock vineyard team. The success of these wines rests on the foundation of outstanding viticulture and hard work by Regan, Helen and Leo.
WineOrbit
Your Ultimate New Zealand Wine Review
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Winery Name |
Wine Name |
Region |
100 pts |
5 Stars |
| Prophet’s Rock | Dry Riesling 2008 |
Central Otago |
94 |
5 |
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It is remarkable to think that Prophet’s Rock release their Rieslings almost two years after the harvest. Grapes (from their Pisa vineyard at a very low cropping of 4 to 5 t/ha), are always hand harvested, whole bunch pressed, settled briefly then put into old barrels for slow fermentation using indigenous yeasts which lasts around three months with the wine sitting on gross lees for 4 to 5 months. Then bottled and rested for a year before release. The Riesling carries around 8 g/l of residual sugar which is almost undetectable but provides subliminal sweetness to balance the bright acidity. This 2008 rendition is a superbly refined and focused expression of the variety displaying fresh apple, lime/lemon and floral characters with a hint of wet limestone. The palate is tight and juicy with a delicate mouthfeel and an impressive linear finish. Light-weight yet concentrated and shows great extract. At its best: 2014 to 2022. $28.00 11.2% Diam cork. Oct 2011.
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| Prophet’s Rock | Dry Riesling 2009 |
Central Otago |
94-96 |
5 |
|
Tight and restrained, this youthful Riesling displays grapefruit, fresh apple and floral characters. The palate shows outstanding fruit weight and succulent mouthfeel leading to an extremely long silky, yet crisp finish. The wine has a long way to go before reaching its maturity but it does show gorgeous early appeal too. At its best: 2014 to 2025. $28.00 11.8% Diam cork. Oct 2011.
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| Prophet’s Rock | Dry Riesling 2010 |
Central Otago |
95-97 |
5 |
|
From an exceptional vintage (excellent growing conditions, small bunches and small berries), this wine should become one of the great Central Otago Rieslings. The bouquet is delicately perfumed displaying floral, fresh apple and lemon zest with a hint of white peach. It’s pristine and focused on the palate with a juicy mouthfeel and excellent weight. The wine finishes taut and linear, and seems to go on forever. Amazing harmony and balance. At its best: 2016 to 2028. Diam cork. Oct 2011.
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| Prophet’s Rock | Pinot Gris 2008 |
Central Otago |
93 |
5 |
|
These are finely expressed Pinot Gris showing Alsace-like texture and weight. Like their Riesling, Pinot Gris are cropped at low levels to ensure the wine’s concentration and mouthfeel. This 2008 is still youthful on the nose displaying ripe apple, stone fruit and a hint of mealy characters. The palate is ripe and rounded with whispering sweetness and perfectly pitched acidity, leading to an expansive long finish. At its best: now to 2018. Diam cork. Oct 2011.
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| Prophet’s Rock | Pinot Gris 2009 |
Central Otago |
94 |
5 |
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Beautifully perfumed on the nose displaying peach, floral and mango characters with subtle spice notes. It’s concentrated and full on the palate with silky texture and a lush mouthfeel. Lovely harmony and integration. Already approachable and delicious, it will also age gracefully too. At its best: 2012 to 2020. $32.00. 13.2% Diam cork. Oct 2011.
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| Prophet’s Rock | Pinot Gris 2010 |
Central Otago |
94 |
5 |
|
Superbly ripe and lifted on the nose, this charming wine shows tropical fruit, peach, citrus and floral characters. The palate is concentrated and smooth with lovely roundness and intensity. The finish is extremely long and refreshing. Once again, the wine displays superb weight and firmness while remaining supple and silky. At its best: 2013 to 2020. Diam cork. Oct 2011.
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| Prophet’s Rock | Pinot Noir 2007 |
Central Otago |
95 |
5 |
|
From a small cropping vintage in Central Otago, this also shows that concentration and presence combined with Prophet Rock’s typical elegance. The bouquet is fragrant and complex displaying game, spice, red/black cherry and floral characters. It’s finely textured on the palate with superb ripeness and generosity, leading to a long velvety finish. It’s opulent and powerful, yet firmly structured. At its beset: now to 2018. Diam cork. Oct 2011.
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| Prophet’s Rock | Pinot Noir 2009 |
Central Otago |
95 |
5 |
|
Another engaging Pinot displaying perfumed aromas of red/black cherry, spice, game and mushroom. The palate is powerful and generous with excellent mid palate weight and an expansive finish. A multi-layered Pinot showing outstanding potential to develop. At its best: 2013 to 2020. $49.00 Diam cork. Oct 2011.
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| Rocky Point | Pinot Noir 2009 |
Central Otago |
90 |
4.5 |
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Lifted and fragrant on the nose showing red/black cherry, mushroom and floral notes. The palate is juicy and smooth with excellent fruit intensity and well balanced acidity. Very pleasing and appealing. At its best: now to 2015. Screw cap. Oct 2011.
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| Rocky Point | Pinot Noir 2010 |
Central Otago |
93 |
5 |
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This may be their second label but the 2010 offering is very impressive, displaying red/black cherry and floral characters with a hint of savoury notes. The palate is pristine and succulent with a lush mouthfeel and silky texture, then finishes firm and proper with beautifully pitched tannins. Very exciting. At its best: 2012 2018. $29.00. Screw cap. Oct 2011.
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