PADDY BORTHWICK PAPER ROAD PINOT NOIR 2022

Gold Medal – Boston Wine Competition
Gold Medal – China Wine & Spirits Awards

Established in 1996, proudly family owned and managed, Borthwick Vineyard produces wines that are a direct reflection of the Gladstone region, New Zealand. Ancient stony, alluvial soils, a cool climate, sustainable practices and minimal intervention in the vineyard and winery, mean our wines display distinctive single vineyard characteristics.

Winery notes (2022 Vintage)
"This is about the purity of Pinot Noir with spicy savoury and bright, juicy red florals and fruits. It is medium bodied with soft velvety tannins, a mix of tart and sweet cherry fruit with a chocolate touch to the lightly oaked finish and a spicy zestiness to the lingering aftertaste.

Temperature controlled fermentation using a mixture of natural and inoculated yeasts combined with hand plunging to optimize the fruit and tannin balance. Following extended post ferment maceration on skins the wine was drained and pressed to barrel. Rigorous barrel selection and blending is followed by minimal fining and filtration prior to bottling. 85% French oak aged for 8 months with a mixture of selected cooperages of which 15% of the barrels are new."

Rated Excellent & 93/100 Cameron Douglas MS, July 2023 (2022 Vintage)
"Aromas of pinosity driven by light red berry fruits and roses, some layers of crumbled stone mineral suggestions, barrel spices and a steely youthful energy. Taut and dry as the wine touches the palate, I notice the tannins and acidity first setting a decent foundation for ageing. Next, the fruit flavours of cherry and strawberry, some cranberry then barrel spice complexity. Well made and still very youthful with plenty of tension across the palate, this means best drinking is likely from 2025 through 2030+. I expect this wine will age remarkably well, a wine to cellar and test the theory."

5 Stars & 93/100 Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, October 2024 (2023 Vintage)
"Complex and enticing, the bouquet shows sweet cherry, cured meat, dried mushroom and toasted nut aromas. The palate displays succulent fruit flavours with silky flow, beautifully framed by supple texture and rounded tannins, finishing soothing and flavoursome. At its best: now to 2028."

5 Stars & 18.5/20 (93) Candice Chow, Raymond Chan Reviews, July 2023 (2022 Vintage)
"Bright, light ruby-red, lighter on the rim. The nose is softly lifted and herbaceous, with aromas of thyme, dark raspberry, tea leaf and cracked pepper. Medium-bodied, aromas of dark raspberry melded with tea leaf, thyme, cracked pepper and a hint of hibiscus. Fine-grained tannin grip counterbalanced by a creamy palate, unveiling a concentrated, peppery finish. This light-coloured Pinot Noir is elegant, concentrates with rich herbs, spice, and a lingering finish. Match with herb-crusted lamb and roasted duck over the next 3-5 years. 13.5% alc."