11-Oct-2017
Caythorpe Family Estate is Marlborough the agricultural business of the Bishell family, now in its fifth generation of ownership and management. As part of farming diversification, the Bishells planted grapes in 1987, and now have 110 ha of vines on their 190 ha property next to the Woodbourne airport. The majority of the vines are Sauvignon Blanc, but there are 3 ha of Riesling and Pinot Noir and 4 ha of Chardonnay. The Bishells are very successful contract growers, but as with many growers eventually established their own label, with the release of a Sauvignon Blanc from the 2015 vintage. In June this year, they introduced a Pinot Noir from the 2016 vintage to their range. Now, they are adding a Riesling from the 2017 vintage to the portfolio. The wines are made by Jeremy McKenzie at the Isabel Estate facility. Jeremy assists in viticultural advice as well as the fruit selection for the styles of wines for the Caythorpe label. The wines to date have shown clear varietal and regional character, and very good quality for an emerging brand. Here, I review the new 2017 Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling. www.caythorpe.nz
