Prophets Rock Pinot Gris 2022

The wine's odyssey begins with the vines, yielding low amounts of fruit that boast intense concentration and taste, followed by meticulous hand harvesting. The Pinot Gris and Riesling of Prophet's Rock are carefully whole-bunch pressed, then experience prolonged, gradual fermentation in barrels and maturation on yeast lees before being bottled just prior to the subsequent harvest. During barrel aging, the wines naturally undergo malolactic fermentation and benefit from extended élevage.

The result is a wine of textural sophistication, brimming with robust, enticing aromas and flavors of ripe apple, nashi pear, and hints of honeysuckle, offering an aromatic rendition of Pinot Gris that pairs wonderfully with food. Pinot Gris remains a focal point for Prophet's Rock, showcasing their commitment to this varietal.

Scents that start stony and savoury, a whiff of kombu and mushroom over peach, pear fruitiness. The palate has nashi pear, a lick of pink grapefruit freshness, halva and cashew nutty savouriness, a lick of truffle-like quality too. Slippery texture that draws long and finishes with lingering sweet spice and a little stony mineral quality. Excellent here, but drink young. – The Winefront

An off-dry style with powerful acidity packing in sweet ripe pears and apples. Fresh aromas and gentle pastry notes, too. This has it all. Drink now. – JamesSuckling.com

The Prophet's Rock operation based at Bendigo produces wines that are distinctively European in character. One must taste and drink them with a perspective of a vigneron in the Rheingau, Riquewihr or in Pommard to appreciate their style. Mike Mulvey set up the label based on fruit from two sites, one in Pisa, the other in Bendigo, in 1999. The arrival of Paul Pujol as winemaker with experience including Alsace, Burgundy and Oregon has cemented the international outlook of the vineyard, winery and the wines. RAYMOND CHAN, raymondchanwinereviews.co.nz