Under the leadership of Peter Finlayson, the founder and cellar master of Bouchard Finlayson, the estate has been a pioneer in the production of Pinot noir in the South African market over the past 27 years (since 1991). Winemaker Chris Albrecht, who has celebrated seven vintages at Bouchard Finlayson, says the cultivar is quite unique as it depicts little varietal character of its own, rather expressing the terroir upon which it is grown. ‘Pinot noir carries the crown of being the most terroir-expressive of all grape varieties. We are fortunate in that the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley represents that unique combination of soil and climate that exists in only a handful of places where the exact balance provides the perfect expression of this elusive grape’, he said.
2015 was cited by Peter Finlayson as a vintage of ‘pure luxury’, with perfect weather conditions resulting in excellent winemaking potential from this super crop. Bouchard Finlayson’s Galpin Peak 2015 vintage is medium dark with black-red colour. The wine reveals an explosive nose of red fruits and infused cherry, whilst the palate projects cranberry and plum with smoky strawberry high tones. A great vintage with trophy-winning quality, this wine is bright with a good grip and velvety mouthfeel, complete with considerable ageing potential. (Available from the cellar door at R329 per bottle)
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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, founder Peter Finlayson and winemaker Chris Albrecht, 25 hectares (62 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 +27.283123515; email info@bouchardfinlayson.co.za; or visit www.bouchardfinlayson.co.za.