Held over the course of three days in Niagara, in the heart of Ontario’s wine country, here Peter Finlayson will present his cool climate chardonnays from the Walker Bay area, showcasing the 2014 vintages of both the Missionvale and Kaaimansgat (Crocodile’s Lair) Limited.
American ‘wine bible’ Wine Spectator recently awarded 90/100 points to the 2013 Missionvale Chardonnay, whilst in the UK the Wine Merchant voted the 2013 Kaaimansgat onto its prestigious ‘Wine Merchant Top 100’ list.
Now in its sixth year, the i4C festival has grown in both popularity and size, assembling winemakers from nine countries to exhibit the diversity and adaptability of the grape variety. Producers in attendance come from Canada, Chile, France, Italy and elsewhere to share their wines and tricks of the trade with guests, who will have the opportunity to ‘Tour the World with One Glass’ with a selection of 159 wines. Renowned wine writer of Decanter Magazine, Ian D’Agata will be the keynote speaker at this prestigious event.
For the first time, some premium red wines will also be integrated into the i4C event. These wines have to be a 100% varietal of either Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir or Gamay and blends are not included. As South Africa’s “Pinot Pioneer”, Peter Finlayson is honoured to introduce his award-winning 2013 Galpin Peak Pinot Noir at this premier wine event, which according to the Huffington Post is “a veritable who’s who” of the wine industry.”
A consistent performer, Galpin Peak was included in the ‘Top 100 South African wines’, announced earlier this year by www.topwines.com - as one of the country’s most celebrated wines across a spread of ten vintages between 2006 and 2015. The 2013 Galpin Peak has received wide acclaim globally too, including winning a Gold medal in the esteemed 2016 Global Pinot Noir Masters awards (The Drinks Business), and being included in ‘Wine Merchant Top 100’ list in the UK earlier this year. The 2012 vintage too was also placed in Wine Spectator’s celebrated ‘Top Wines’ list in June 2016, with a score of 92/100.
Tasting notes
2014 Missionvale Chardonnay (cellar door price R222)
The wine is complex and fruity with peach, lime and green apple flavours. In addition, hints of vanilla and nutty tones can be noted from the contribution of best French oak barrels. Time will allow for its development and additional complexity with gradual softness, is expected to emerge on the palate. Traditionally this wine has been described as offering a seamless mouthfeel meaning that there are no hard edges to this Chardonnay.
2014 ‘Kaaimansgat’ Limited (cellar door price R197)
The combination of new French Oak coupled with the bright fruit of the unwooded portion presents voluptuous bright flavours of butterscotch, melon and creamy peach. Patience allowing maturation will reward with a classic styled Chardonnay of notable elegance and great complexity.
2013 Galpin Peak Pinot Noir (cellar door price R305)
A confident wine with a firm and polished profile of flavours without being overstated. It is classically old world with good aging potential. Peppery spice with blackberry and cherry notes, ending in a harmonious and long earthy finish.
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ABOUT BOUCHARD FINLAYSON
Established in 1989 in the temperate Hemel-en-Aarde Valley on 125 hectares (312 acres) of Walker Bay's prime viticultural land, Bouchard Finlayson Vineyard and Winery is a small cellar dedicated to the quality production of Pinot noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon blanc. Ever since releasing their first vintages, the name Bouchard Finlayson has been internationally synonymous with excellence. Today, owned by the Red Carnation Hotels’ Tollman family and under the leadership of Victoria Tollman and winemaker Peter Finlayson, 22 hectares (54 acres) of the estate are currently under vine with 50% devoted to the varietal for which Peter is most acclaimed – Pinot noir. Other cultivars under production include Chardonnay, Sauvignon blanc and Sangiovese, as well as a handful under exploration. Bouchard Finlayson is a World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Conservation Champion.
Situated on the R320 near Hermanus, Bouchard Finlayson vineyard and winery is open for tastings and sales Monday to Friday from 09h00 to 17h00 and on Saturdays from 10h00 to 13h00. For further information, call +27 28 312 3515; email info@bouchardfinlayson.co.za; or visit www.bouchardfinlayson.co.za.
i4C International Cool Climate Chardonnay Celebration - click here to read more.
www.coolchardonnay.org