PADDY BORTHWICK PINOT NOIR 2020

Winery notes (2020 Vintage)
"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.

Bouquet of dark plum, ripe cherries, thyme and toasted nut. A core of dark cherry, cloves and wild herbs are supported by bright fruit and French oak that complement spicy nuances with finely integrated fruit tannins.

We have ten hectares of Pinot noir planted in 8 different clones on a mixture of grafted and own roots. Vines are planted in differing areas of the vineyard to maximise the array of flavours available to us during blending. Our Dijon clones 115, 777, 667 are planted on light, stony, free draining soils, promoting fruit forward characters and intensity. Our older clones of Abel, 5, 828, 943 and MV 6 are planted in deeper soils with higher clay content to promote greater depth in palate weight and texture.

100% French oak aged for 11 months with a mixture of selected cooperages of which 30% of the barrels are new."

5 Stars & 94/100 Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, September 2021 (2020 Vintage)
"Beautifully styled and inviting, the bouquet shows dark plum, ripe cherry, thyme and toasted nut aromas, followed by a wonderfully rounded palate delivering excellent fruit purity combined with spicy nuances, finishing long and velvety. At its best: now to 2027."

Rated Excellent & 93/100 Cameron Douglas MS, June 2022 (2020 Vintage)
"Fresh, youthful and vibrant bouquet with pinosity ad charm. Aromas and flavours of crunchy black cherry, sweet boysenberry and raspberry flesh, sweet oak spices and vanilla. Firmly textured reflecting the youthful side of this example, firm tannins and plenty of acidity, but also a core of red berry fruit flavours to reflect the variety and vineyard origins. Delicious and fresh, just requiring some cellar time to settle and develop. Best drinking from late 2023 through 2029."