In the hidden Hemel-en-Aarde Valley at the Southern tip of Africa lies Bouchard Finlayson, a winery that combines the best of the old ways and classic French winemaking techniques, with the creativity and innovation of the new world. A family-owned boutique vineyard where Heaven meets Earth, inspired by genuine passion and shaped by a global family. Nurtured by a dedicated team who handcrafts wines to perfection, constantly in pursuit of excellence, Bouchard Finlayson is an estate synonymous with world-class premium international wines.
Bouchard Finlayson has released the latest vintages of three of its most popular white wines. Showstopper Bouchard Finlayson Sauvignon Blanc Reserve 2017 has its origins in numerous vineyard parcels, picked at various stages of ripening, to contribute to a sleek and complex wine that is destined to become a collector’s vintage.
An undercurrent of spice and flint notes add complexity to the fruit bowl of flavours, including fig, lemon zest and passion fruit, all integrating on a long finish to pair beautifully with fish dishes, crustaceans, sushi, vegetarian cuisine and cheese. (R174 per bottle)
The unique Bouchard Finlayson Blanc de Mer 2018 is widely celebrated as a wine for all seasons. Bouchard Finlayson founder and creator of the Blanc de Mer label, Peter Finlayson is quoted as saying: ‘Standing at the front of the winery one enjoys a classic view of the southern oceans, prompting the title ‘White of the Sea’ (Blanc de Mer). The palate is perfect and positively gregarious! A genuine people pleaser totally at home amongst relaxed company’. At 65% of the content in the 2018 vintage, the Riesling grape offers a solid frame to this unique white blend. This noble white wine variety is an unusual contribution to a Cape white blend, to establish a singular personality to the wine. A 16% Viognier and 18% Chardonnay component further enhances its exclusivity profile, resulting in a fountain of flowery aromas with a taste characterised by hints of quince, apricots and almonds – fresh and vibrant with a convincing strength and quality finish. (R110 per bottle)
Lauded year on year as part of its stellar range of Chardonnays, Bouchard Finlayson’s Crocodiles Lair/Kaaimansgat 2017 is a wine to be treated seriously and sipped slowly. The 2018 vintage is a great companion to white meat and rich seafood such as lobster bisque, as well as soft cheese and mushroom risotto. Structured with many layered flavour components arising from combinations of best French Oak, yeast, lees contact and finest fruit, it rewards the palate with a kaleidoscope of tastes. Hints of litchi, white peach, kiwi fruit, strawberry smoothie and golden tangerine combine to generate a memorable taste experience. (R174 per bottle)
The new releases are now available for sale at the cellar door and leading wine merchants.
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 is a boutique vineyard and winery, dedicated to the quality production, including but not limited to, 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, winemaker Chris Albrecht and a world class team who have a shared vision of excellence, 25 hectares (62 acres) of the estate are currently under vine. Fifty percent of the vineyards is devoted to the varietal for which Founder, Peter Finlayson is most acclaimed – Pinot Noir. Committed to protecting our environment, 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 http://www.bouchardfinlayson.co.za.
ACTIVITIES ON OFFER AT BOUCHARD FINLAYSON
ENQUIRIES & RESERVATIONS: info@bouchardfinlayson.co.za or Tel 028 312 3515
Business Hours: Monday to Friday 09h00 – 17h00; Saturdays 10h00 – 13h00
WINE TASTING
Wine Tastings are offered showcasing Bouchard Finlayson’s latest vintages – white blend Blanc de Mer 2018; Sauvignon Blanc 2018; Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2017; Sans Barrique Chardonnay 2017; Kaaimansgat/Crocodile’s Lair Chardonnay 2017; Missionvale Chardonnay 2016 and Bouchard Finlayson’s famed red blend, the Hannibal 2016. Also available for tasting is South Africa’s pinot pioneer and founder of Bouchard Finlayson, Peter Finlayson’s award-winning flagship wine, Galpin Peak Pinot Noir (currently the 2017 vintage).
Cost: taste three wines R30 per person; six wines R60 per person
PETER’S PICKS IN THE COLLECTORS’ CORNER
Peter Finlayson has hand-picked a selection of special, older vintages that are on display and available for sale at the cellar door.
CELLAR TOURS AND LARGER GROUPS
By prior arrangement and with advance reservation. R60 per person
DELI PLATTERS
Generous platters served on wooden boards made from old wine barrels, laden with a selection of charcuterie, mild Gruberg cheese, Colby cheese, ciabatta, estate olive oil, olives, olive tapenade and mixed nuts.
Cost R260, serving 2 people
SNACK BOXES FOR CHILDREN
Includes a fruit juice, bag of cookies, dried fruit roll, packet of savoury provita crackers and mini cheese rounds.
Cost: R70 per child
NATURE WALKS
Guided Walking Trails (Choose between 45 minutes, 60 minutes and 2,5 hours)
Cost: R400 for up to 6 people, thereafter an additional R60 per person – maximum 12 people in a group (Pre-booking a week in advance)
Categories: Bouchard Finlayson, Hemel en Aarde Valley, Region