Paddy Borthwick – Gladstone Cornerstone

FEATURED WINES IN THIS REVIEW

• Borthwick Wairarapa Sauvignon Blanc 2011
  Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand - Wairarapa & Wellington

  Review Date : 08-Aug-2011

  ☆☆☆☆☆

  Brilliant pale straw-yellow colour, with a very pale edge. This has a soft and shy nose of ripe tropical and stonefruit aromas with notes of gooseberries and herbs and some minerally, flinty interest. Though restrained, there is good volume and presence. Dry on palate, this is an elegant wine with good weight. The flavours are shy in expression, ripe stonefruits, nectarines and a little gooseberry featuring. The acidity is a little low, and while having less zestiness, tension and length, the harmony, weight and depth provide a good finish with herbal nuances. Fruit from the ‘Borthwick Estate', vines 5-15 y.o., cool-fermented to 13.5% alc. and 1.6 g/L rs, with 5 months lees contact. Serve with antipasto and poultry dishes over the next 2-3+ years. 16.5+/20 Aug 2011 RRP $22.00
• Borthwick Wairarapa Chardonnay 2010
  Chardonnay from New Zealand - Wairarapa & Wellington

  Review Date : 08-Aug-2011

  ☆☆☆☆☆

  Mendoza, clones 15, 2/23 and 95, from 15 y.o. vines on the ‘Borthwick Estate', indigenous yeast fermented in French and American oak to 13.5% alc, the wine aged 8 months in 20% new puncheons with lees contact and minimal MLF. Bright straw-yellow colour with golden hues and depth, this has a rich and densely packed bouquet of ripe citrus fruits, melons, mealy fruit and powerful oak featuring vanilla, cream and buttered toast. A bold, full-bodied wine, the racy acidity comes to the fore, highlighting the ripe citrus and tropical fruit, and balancing the creamy barrel-ferment textures and oaken richness. Nuts, vanilla and toast are prominent, and these flavours are carried through to the long finish. Match with grilled seafood and roast pork dishes over the next 4-5+ years. 17.5-/20 Aug 2011 RRP $25.00
• Borthwick Wairarapa Pinot Noir 2010
  Pinot Noir from New Zealand - Wairarapa & Wellington

  Review Date : 08-Aug-2011

  ☆☆☆☆☆

  Multi-clone mix including Dijon, Pommard and Abel, from vines 5-15 y.o. from the ‘Borthwick Estate'. Partial native yeast fermentation to 13.9% alc, the wine aged 14 months in 40% new oak. Light ruby-red colour with pale purple hues, youthful in appearance, this has a softly fresh nose of vibrant dark cherry and raspberry fruit aromas, quite primary in expression. There are notes of violetty florals and some red liquorice showing adding to the depth and concentration of the aromatics. Elegant and medium-weighted on palate, this has softly expressed, but bright, primary fruit flavours, underpinned by subtle and supple tannin extraction. The acidity is well-balanced and provides freshness. Soft raspberry liqueur notes are sustained on the finish. Drink this softly textured and elegant Pinot Noir with Asian and Middle Eastern cuisine over the next 4-5+ years. 17.5/20 Aug 2011 RRP $38.00