Bouchard Finlayson’s wine range in 2010 consists of:
2009 Tête de Cuvée Galpin Peak Pinot noir
What makes Pinot noir so special is that it displays both a delicacy and richness, but it is often quoted as depicting little varietal character of its own, but rather expressing the terroir upon which it is grown, hence it carries the crown of being the most terroir expressive of all grape varieties. Tête de Cuvée reflects the winemaker’s opportunity to create a blend from a handful of chosen, best barrels in the cellar from a particular vintage. Vintage 2009 offered a rain free summer with relatively dry conditions which impacted favourably to produce small berried fruit with intense colour and concentration. This resulted in a wine which needs time to develop and promises to be a classic bottling for those who are prepared to wait. It is a black fruit driven Pinot noir boasting flavours of mulberries, plums and violets and lingers with a nutty fullness and good tannins.
2009 Galpin Peak Pinot noir
Bouchard Finlayson Pinot noirs are clearly terroir driven by the knowing impact of our heavy Malmesbury Shale soils which impart firm structure and robust flavour statements in each vintage. This flavour quality is further enhanced by our practice of implementing high density closely planted vines to encourage competition between individual vines! This bottling is rich with luscious soft tannins and dark-coloured forest fruits, deftly balanced on a cord of lingering plum and raspberry delights. Expected to age with appealing composure.
2008 Hannibal
50% Sangiovese, 22% Pinot Noir, 13% Nebbiolo, 7% Mourvedre, 6% Barbera and 2% Shiraz. All portions have been matured in best French oak barrels.
Aromatic and firm with notable fruits of the forest character. Excellent ageing potential and long aristocratic finish!
2009 Kaaimansgat Limited Edition Chardonnay.
In this blend the element of innovation is presented by blending a classic barrel-fermented portion of Chardonnay (60%) with a fruity non-malo unwooded portion (40%). The barrel fermented portion is all new French oak! The style is classic, cool climate Chardonnay with voluptuous bright authoritative fruit tones layered on harmonious oak flavours, all balanced in a synonymous elegance!
2009 Missionvale Chardonnay
A very distinctive and specific terroir component reflects true to type and the tradition of maintaining 30% new best French Oak with a total of seven months maturation.
This wine presents pages of different taste sensations. First creamy yeast, followed by mild wood tones surrounded by vanilla and aromatic layers of apricot and cantaloupe. Finally resonating a long citrus and quince finish. Longevity and ageing will enhance completely!
2009 Crocodile's Lair / Kaaimansgat Chardonnay
Fresh and lively with added flavour development progressing over three years of bottle maturation. Prepared in classic Burgundian fashion and then matured “sur lie” for eight months in traditional 228 litre pieces! Packed with minerally tight fruit flavours of pear, peaches and litchis resting on over-laying hints of oak, vanilla and autolized yeasts. Strong nutty components will evolve over time to create complexity and enhanced flavours. Enjoy with poultry, casseroles and richer fish dishes!
2010 Sans Barrique Chardonnay
Chardonnay is an extremely versatile grape and un-wooded Chardonnay is no rarity to the world of Chardonnay. In many instances the un-wooded version of the variety is a better accompaniment to fish and shell fish than the wooded version. The wine is best described as marginally organic with citrus and kiwi fruit flavours - Flinty and dry with intensity of finish after loads of strong mineral flavours.
2010 Sauvignon Blanc ‘Reserve’
This is the second release of a Reserve Sauvignon Blanc from Bouchard Finlayson Winery. This vintage yielded a low cropping-reward which presents a medium to full bodied cuvée with 14 % Semillon component. This wine is dry, but notably fruity with cantaloupe, gooseberry and white pepper, garnished with complex secondary tropical notes, leading to a crisp, savoury and lasting sumptuous finish! This wine has been made with the express purpose of ageing and it is anticipated that it will offer great reward for at least five years.
2010 Walker Bay Sauvignon blanc
This wine has a strong vibrant aroma, tropical fruits of pineapple, litchi and granadilla. This is followed by a firm crisp palate signalling a determined structure with parallel fruit calling one straight back to the glass!
2010 Blanc de Mer
This year's blend is both bold in colour and structure. The composition once again enjoys Riesling as the primary player, 40% with Viognier at 33%, Sauvignon Blanc 13%, Chenin Blanc 11%, and Chardonnay 3 %. This vintage enjoyed dry conditions with low cropping levels being offered. It has a deep colour with a very full palate feel. Very rich with tastes of peaches, quinces and pear which all blend to provide a strong and lengthy finish.
