Bouchard Finlayson current releases

Bouchard Finlayson, founded in 1989 and the second oldest winery in the Hemel en Aarde area after Hamilton Russell Vineyards, is nothing if not well established. It’s reputation is built on the production of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir but interestingly enough, it’s the 2019 vintage of the maverick red blend called Hannibal that impresses most among the current releases.

Bouchard Finlayson Kaaimansgat Crocodile’s Lair Chardonnay 2020
Price: R195
From Elandskloof grapes. Lemon, oatmeal, vanilla and some leesy complexity on the nose while the palates shows good fruit concentration, bright acidity and a savoury finish. A slight impression of sweetness only adds to the appeal.

CE’s rating: 91/100.

Bouchard Finlayson Missionvale Chardonnay 2020
Price: R350
A statement wine – aromatics of lemon and orange, vanilla and baking spice while the palate is rich, full and smooth textured. Not for the faint-hearted…

CE’s raing: 90/100.

Bouchard Finlayson Hannibal 2019
Price: R370

47% Sangiovese, 15% Nebbiolo, 14% Pinot Noir, 11% Shiraz, 7% Mourvèdre and 6% Barbera. Complex aromatics of red and black berries, dried herbs, spice, some meatiness and earth while the palate is medium-bodied and well structured – good fruit expression, fresh acidity and fine tannins. Plenty of detail and more coherence than you might expect from this unconventional blend.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

Bouchard Finlayson Galpin Peak Pinot Noir 2020
Price: R450
20% whole-bunch fermentation. Initially the nose is quite obvious – red cherry, vanilla and flinty reduction but with time in glass, it starts to show a herbal note, musk and white pepper. The palate is full-bodied with generous fruit, fresh acidity and tannins that are fine and yet quite assertive, the finish very dry.

CE’s rating: 91/100.

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