Winemaker Peter Finlayson says the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley and its associated terroir have proven itself to be one of the Cape’s most treasured Chardonnay locations. One of 13 wine growers at the event, Bouchard Finlayson will for the first time present the 2015 vintage of its lauded Missionvale Chardonnay. The name Missionvale stems from the mission hospital established on the domain property in the early 19th century. Widely celebrated as Bouchard Finlayson’s flagship white wine, the Missionvale Chardonnay received a coveted Grand Gold Award earlier this year in the 2016 South African Wine Index (SAWi). A consistent achiever year on year, the 2014 vintage scored 93 points in Tim Atkin’s most recent South African Report, while the 2013 vintage was awarded 4.5 stars in the 2016 Platter Wine Guide, and scored 90 points in Wine Spectator Magazine’s May 2016 issue.
Finlayson says: ‘One of the finest Chardonnays, our Missionvale is crafted from grapes harvested from our estate to create a robust wine with loads of creamy feel, supported by subtle peach and melon flavours following a zesty citrus watermark, whilst the aftertaste conveys further fig and quince like-character.’ The 2015 vintage is also showing excellent potential for ageing and further development.
The two-day Classic Chardonnay Celebration is packed with activities that will include a tutored tasting hosted by Dr Wini Bowman (Cape Master of Wine, respected wine journalist and previous Chairperson of Institute of Cape Wine Masters); a Chardonnay pairing lunch; sunset boat cruises on the lagoon and a string quartet to keep guests entertained. Visitors to the festival are invited to take advantage of the complimentary Hermanus Wine Hoppers shuttle, which stops off at different pick-up points for the duration of the festival.
For more info and to buy tickets, go to www.hemelenaardewines.com
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.