Producer Article
Prophets Rock
Last edited on 10/20/2012 by alanh13
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OUR STORY
Prophet’s Rock was founded in 1999 by Mike and Angela Mulvey. After considerable research, two vineyards were then established at Pisa and Bendigo in Central Otago, New Zealand.
The name ‘Prophet’s Rock’ is taken from a prominent local landmark in Central Otago, named after pioneering goldminer ‘Bob Prophet’ who had the gold claim at the site. The decision was further reinforced by the presence of a similarly enormous rock at the centre of the Bendigo vineyard.
The team was considerably strengthened with the arrival of Paul Pujol as winemaker in 2005. Paul brings extensive and unique experience in Pinot Noir and aromatic white wines from his time with top domains in France, Oregon and New Zealand.
At Prophet’s Rock we are committed to the production of wines that showcase the unique identity and full potential of our vineyards. This journey starts in the vines where we strive to grow fruit of the highest quality. Careful handling in the winery allows our wines to be true expressions of our sites, our region and our journey through the seasons. We are members of Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand.
WINEMAKER – PAUL PUJOL
Paul brings a wealth of old-world experience and sensitivity to his role at Prophet’s Rock; his approach is vineyard-focused, combined with minimal intervention in the winery. Use of indigenous ‘wild’ yeast is the norm, along with long élevage and, in the case of the Pinot Noir, no filtration.
Paul joined Prophet’s Rock in 2005, having returned to New Zealand after a six-year around the world odyssey, which he describes as “chasing Pinot Noir and aromatic whites across the globe.”
After graduating with Distinction from Lincoln University’s Postgraduate Viticulture and Oenology programme in 1999, Paul got his start at Marlborough’s Seresin Estate. There he worked in the vineyard and winery, a formative experience during which he followed the grapes through the season and into the winery whilst working under an organic framework.
Paul then left New Zealand to gain experience in France, where he worked three vintages in the year 2000, in the Languedoc, for Henri Bourgeois in Chavignol (Sancerre) and finally for the prestigious Maison Kuentz-Bas in Alsace. Maison Kuentz-Bas offered him the head winemaking position, which he accepted, becoming the first non-family winemaker at Kuentz-Bas since the house was founded in 1795, and perhaps the first ever permanent foreign winemaker in Alsace. Paul stayed at Kuentz-Bas for three years, producing wine from their six Grand Cru vineyards and other holdings. Whilst in France, he also completed the first year of his Master of Wine qualification.
Following this, Paul spent several years in Oregon at boutique organic producer Lemelson Vineyards. Production at Lemelson is focused on Pinot Noir, with Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Riesling making up the range. He also returned to Oregon in 2006 to assist Cheryl Francis and Sam Tannahill at Rex Hill, producing a guest cuvée of Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris.
Perhaps the highlight of his round-the-world winemaking experiences was being invited to work the 2009 vintage in Burgundy at Domaine Comte Georges de Vogüé.
OUR STORY
Prophet’s Rock was founded in 1999 by Mike and Angela Mulvey. After considerable research, two vineyards were then established at Pisa and Bendigo in Central Otago, New Zealand.
The name ‘Prophet’s Rock’ is taken from a prominent local landmark in Central Otago, named after pioneering goldminer ‘Bob Prophet’ who had the gold claim at the site. The decision was further reinforced by the presence of a similarly enormous rock at the centre of the Bendigo vineyard.
The team was considerably strengthened with the arrival of Paul Pujol as winemaker in 2005. Paul brings extensive and unique experience in Pinot Noir and aromatic white wines from his time with top domains in France, Oregon and New Zealand.
At Prophet’s Rock we are committed to the production of wines that showcase the unique identity and full potential of our vineyards. This journey starts in the vines where we strive to grow fruit of the highest quality. Careful handling in the winery allows our wines to be true expressions of our sites, our region and our journey through the seasons. We are members of Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand.
WINEMAKER – PAUL PUJOL
Paul brings a wealth of old-world experience and sensitivity to his role at Prophet’s Rock; his approach is vineyard-focused, combined with minimal intervention in the winery. Use of indigenous ‘wild’ yeast is the norm, along with long élevage and, in the case of the Pinot Noir, no filtration.
Paul joined Prophet’s Rock in 2005, having returned to New Zealand after a six-year around the world odyssey, which he describes as “chasing Pinot Noir and aromatic whites across the globe.”
After graduating with Distinction from Lincoln University’s Postgraduate Viticulture and Oenology programme in 1999, Paul got his start at Marlborough’s Seresin Estate. There he worked in the vineyard and winery, a formative experience during which he followed the grapes through the season and into the winery whilst working under an organic framework.
Paul then left New Zealand to gain experience in France, where he worked three vintages in the year 2000, in the Languedoc, for Henri Bourgeois in Chavignol (Sancerre) and finally for the prestigious Maison Kuentz-Bas in Alsace. Maison Kuentz-Bas offered him the head winemaking position, which he accepted, becoming the first non-family winemaker at Kuentz-Bas since the house was founded in 1795, and perhaps the first ever permanent foreign winemaker in Alsace. Paul stayed at Kuentz-Bas for three years, producing wine from their six Grand Cru vineyards and other holdings. Whilst in France, he also completed the first year of his Master of Wine qualification.
Following this, Paul spent several years in Oregon at boutique organic producer Lemelson Vineyards. Production at Lemelson is focused on Pinot Noir, with Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Riesling making up the range. He also returned to Oregon in 2006 to assist Cheryl Francis and Sam Tannahill at Rex Hill, producing a guest cuvée of Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris.
Perhaps the highlight of his round-the-world winemaking experiences was being invited to work the 2009 vintage in Burgundy at Domaine Comte Georges de Vogüé.