27-Dec-2018
Scion of the famous Borthwick Meat Business family which has Te Whanga Farm in the Wairarapa, Paddy Borthwick established 27 ha Borthwick Vineyard on old river terraces overlooking the Ruamahanga River after extensive winemaking experience overseas and in Marlborough. Paddy has near 40 vintages under his belt, and fashions classical Gladstone wines of high quality, of which most is exported, but in demand domestically. Arguably the most fascinating wines are the ‘Left Hand’ and ‘Right Hand’ Pinot Noirs which represent the outcomes of his and his assistant winemaker’s working with the same fruit, making wines that are stylistically representative of their different actions, innate approaches and philosophies. Paddy has as his assistant Briony Carnachan, began her first vintage there in 2018, but has several vintages experience in the Wairarapa and around the world before. Paddy considers her the archetype ‘Left Hand’ Pinot Noir winemaker – logical, creative and precise, as different to the intuitive style of the ‘Right Hand’ Pinot Noir. Here, I review the 2018 Pinot Rosé, Riesling, Pinot Gris and ‘Falloon Block’ Pinot Noir which Paddy credits Briony with plenty of influence in the final wines. Paddy sees the 2018s as from a very good vintage that will improve in the bottle. www.borthwick.co.nz
