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	“Black wines have become the rage over the last twenty years – I prefer wines to be red.” This is a quote from Christian Moueix of Chateaux Petrus - voted Decanter man of the year 2008. I personally find this a very obvious statement which endorses my own view on the crafting of red wines. More colour and more extraction do not necessary equate to better wine. The symphony of flavours as arranged in our Hannibal blend is designed to express structure and length of palate feel – in fact this is the foundation upon which I base all my red wine making.   I also noticed in Decanter’s list of top fifty Italian wines this year that the Nebbiolo and Sangiovese cultivars account for half the wines in the top ten places. Number one spot goes to a Barollo -2000 vintage, which sells for £186 per bottle in the UK. It is the pedigree of these cultivars with the inclusion of Pinot noir which led to the launch of our Hannibal in 2002. Hannibal is certainly more red than black wine.   Nebbiolo hit me like a thunderbolt in 1975. This was at a tasting at the famous Rheingau cellar of Schloss Schonborn (est 1347). I was fresh from university at that point, a poor post grad guest student at Geisenheim wine school where my exposure to the world of wine and the classic establishments where they are made opened up my life. Thinking back to that Barollo –it blew me away –it simply offered the most complex tannin symphony of any wine I had experienced to date. Our Hannibal has been designed to capture the best of what Sangiovese, Pinot noir and Nebbiolo have to offer. The Sangiovese grape has its home in Tuscany where the most famous wines stem from Brunello de Montalcino which is said to lie in the heart of Italian wine investment country.   Historically the perspective of blending Sangiovese, Pinot noir and Nebbiolo into one wine could be perceived as controversial or at least non-conformist. Perhaps the personal challenge of bringing a new gift into the wine world overrides my sense of limitations in this regard. We have recently released the 2006 vintage of Hannibal. This is our sixth bottling which has already achieved a gold medal at the Michelangelo International Wine Awards 08. It is slightly different to previous releases where for the first time it contains more Syrah than Pinot noir. I was a little apprehensive as to the effect this may have on the blend but consumer reaction has been excellent which bodes well for its future.  It is a great joy to accept that I am now nearly twenty years down the line from my importation of the first Sangiovese and Nebbiolo. According to Christian Moueix It is during these twenty years that black wines have become the rage?  I side with Christian in his thoughts that it is the classic style of structured reds which epitomize the true art form of great red wines.
	Bouchard Finlayson is proud to have been recognised for being in a class of its own! Our Flagship, the Galpin Peak Pinot noir 2007 and our Italian red blend, the Hannibal 2006 both achieved best in their class for our latest red releases.   Our Flagship the Galpin Peak Pinot noir 2007 was awarded best in its class at the annual Investec Private Bank Winemakers' Choice Diamond Awards 2008. Unique to the South African Wine Industry, judged exclusively by winemakers', one single award - The Diamond Award, representing quality, class and true excellence.   The 2007 Pinot noir vintage was an outstanding vintage, an abundance of flavour, excellent body and a host of lingering expectations. The 2007 vintage was earlier than normal with most of the crop being taken in before end January. The weeks picking was intense with great summer weather and the dry conditions have most definitely ameliorated this wine. Firm but deliciously elegant. Fragrant and rich with exuberant fruit and long lasting palate profile. Early drinking but will mature well. With our Galpin Peak achieving such great success we are almost sold out of this award winning wine. With the 2008 planned for release early Autumn.   Our Italian red blend, Hannibal 2006 achieved Gold (Best in Class) in the Michelangelo International Wine Awards 2008. These awards were created in 1997 by Lorraine Immelman, a wine lover and marketing/public relations consultant, when she identified a need in the wine industry for the creation of an international wine competition for South Africa: an international jury from Europe, the USA, UK and Asia judging local wines. The panel recognised the Hannibal 06 as the best red blend in South Africa.   The 'birth' of Hannibal in 2002 was the culmination of a nearly 30 year wait to arrive at what has popularly become respected as a unique South African multi cultivar Tuscan Blend. Hannibal stands by its original design of marrying the synergy between French and Italian grapes. The 2006 vintage has five cultivars in the blend with 34% Sangiovese once again playing the pivotal role. Petite Syrah at 31% now takes up second position while Pinot noir constitutes 20% of the blend. The balance is Nebbiolo at 13% and Mourvedre at 2%. An austere vintage with a defined and concentrated age-able character. Excellent structure from small barrel ageing showing nervous fruit with a great bouquet. It is long and harmonious, delicious and powerful. Bouchard Finlayson averages 1 below 90 points
	It is with great pride and bursting excitement that we announce the opening of our recently renovated Tasting Room to our welcome visitors and loyal customers.   Those who have visited Bouchard Finlayson in the past will remember with great fondness our tasting room facilities. We have maintained the old world charm, however enhanced the area by expanding to create a greater space for informal and formal tastings with an array of older vintages.   Join us at the granite serving counter or at our oregan table for a wine tasting of one of Peter Finlayson’s superb vintages. The enhancements will maintain our ethos of focussing solely on the experience of true authentic tastings.   Our tasting room hours are as follows: Open Mondays to Fridays 09.30 - 17.00; Saturdays 09.30 - 12.30. Closed on Sundays and Public holidays. Closed on 25-26 Dec and 1 Jan 09   We look forward to welcoming you to the new tasting room and enjoying a Bouchard Finlayson tasting experience…
	Another year has passed, resulting in a new collection of vintages. Vintages are available through our agents, various specialist wine shops, popular restaurants and cellar. Our current range includes The Tête de Cuvée Galpin Peak Pinot noir 2007, The Galpin Peak Pinot noir 2007 (stocks are limited!), our Italian red blend - Hannibal 2006, our domain Chardonnay the Missionvale 2008, The Crocodile’s Lair / Kaaimansgat Chardonnay 2007, the unwooded chardonnay Sans Barrique 2007, Walker Bay Sauvignon blanc 2008 and the Blanc de Mer 2008. Our most recent releases are as follows…   Tête de cuvée Galpin Peak Pinot noir 07 It is said that Pinot Noir has no individual varietal character of its own, but is rather characterized by the soil on which it grows. Essentially it is the most terroir specific varietal of all. Our Tête de Cuvée label signifies my creative opportunity to select a handful of the finest barrels in the cellar and blend these to acquire a wine which will portray the best of the vintage. This only happens in years of outstanding overall quality.   Vintage 2007 presented a small crop of first class grapes. Rich full wines emerged with excellent early drinking expression. This blend of only twelve barrels is opulent and full of red cherry & blackberry fruit with also a hint of plum and underlying vanilla, all combining to provide an orchestra of flavour. Great architecture with excellent structural balance of acidity and fine tannins. It will age for 5 – 7 years plus! Enjoy with a delicious garlic and rosemary encrusted roast leg of lamb.   Missionvale 08 This was an excellent Chardonnay vintage in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. Better yields than from the last two years with first class fruit quality.   The name Missionvale stems from the mission hospital established on the domain property in the early 19th Century. German missionary, Peter Leitner, would walk his patients over the Rael-na-Gael Mountains to the nearby ocean to cleanse their bodies. Perhaps also collecting fruits from the sea in the process.   The passage of time has exchanged fruits of the sea for fruits of the vine wherein this instance it is world class Chardonnay!   This vintage is characterised by elaborate flavours of under exposed wood tones with over layers of pure vanilla, pear, mango & yeasty lees. “Boutique” barrel makers Tonnellerie Meyrieux of Nuits St. George have provided added security in supporting with only the finest hand crafted Burgundian barrels.   Expect to develop over the next four years. Added complexity & nutty flavours will enhance with a deeper and richer colour! Delicious accompanied by a hearty chicken casserole, buttered catch of the ocean or cheese platter.
	Bouchard Finlayson’s barrel cellar glows with candlelight, warmth and ambience … lending the most magical setting for evenings of culture brought to you by the Hermanus Music society.   We once again thank Charles Lloys Ellis for his gallant support in fund raising via the Christopher Duigen Charity concerts held annually at Bouchard Finlayson. These concerts raise money and awareness for the local Cansa Association. This year’s charity event takes place on the 17th and 18th December. We wish them every success and are only too overjoyed to be able to offer our support via the ambience of the barrel cellar.   The musicians’ talents are not only extended to music. One of South Africa’s top and most versatile flautist - Carina Bruwer – is also a multi-record holding long distance swimmer. Carina has swum the English Channel and the Straights of Gibraltor, two notable achievements which she can be most proud of.   The program for 09 includes:   Jan 30th – Benjamin Dry (international cellist) and Paula Spiegel (Painist)   February 27th – Tony cox – well known acoustic guitar icon presents a show of brilliance and humour.   For further information please contact the Hermanus Music society directly on + 27 28 312 3006.
	Our Dutch agent Wijnimport J. Bart sent an invitation to Peter Finlayson our famous winemaker to participate in a road show, cris-crossing Holland during a five day period at the beginning of September. The days were characterised by extravagant gourmet lunches at some of the best restaurants in Holland—all over subscribed. The events were designed to showcase wines from nine participating winemakers representing eight different countries.   The first event, on Monday was at Restaurant De Kromme Watergang in Hoofdplaat which is located in the S. E. corner of the Netherlands. Hoofdplaat is located in a polder which dates back to 1775. Peter was fascinated by these polders which revealed a nation of extraordinary human fortitude—no land wasted or ignored. This restaurant featured a number of sea food dishes where his tender marinated octopus was a real treat.   Tuesday saw us back to Utrecht at the Restaurant of the famous Karel V Hotel. Here they enjoyed a presentation of a mini wine fair followed by a five course lunch. The Wednesday took them again across the country to Zwolle which is north east of Amsterdam. Here at a brand new establishment called Librije’s Hotel, an historical building converted from a womans prison.  Perhaps the most eclectic event was on the Thursday where the winemakers presented wines at the Eindhoven airport with lunch at their Belvedair restaurant which is positioned within the terminal building.   Peter was super impressed by the standards of the hospitality trade in this country. The level of art and design was also exciting and left a valued impression of a country enjoying a rich period of cultural self satisfaction. Excellent food with some unusual dishes such as pigeon breast in Lapsang tea reduction or how about lentils, beans and Macadamia salad.   The last day was a full day wine fair at J. Barts Cellars at Fort Benoorden in Purmerend. These facilities housed in a retired military fort are perfect for wine storage –no doubt the choice of underground cellars are not a consideration in this part of the world.   Peter wishes to extend an enormous thanks and a sincere gesture of appreciation to Henk Bart and his team for the great deal of effort and organisation which went into this valued week. Further it was a wonderful opportunity to meet a whole new bunch of winemaker friends from amongst others, countries like Chile, Italy, Austria and Australia.
	It is with gratitude and heartfelt thanks to our Local and International Agents and customers for their continued support to Bouchard Finlayson. Thanks to this strong following we continue to appreciate increased demand for our product worldwide. We welcome all friends of Bouchard Finlayson to visit Hermanus and share this exceptionally beautiful part of South Africa with us.   Cape Wine 2008 has definitely been another highlight for us this year. WOSA, South Africa’s main wine organisation brought a host of international journalists and buyers to Cape Town to meet with some of the top players in South Africa’s world of wine to provide a forum and opportunity for a meeting of the minds. It was the perfect occasion to network with existing agents as well as agents representing possible new and interesting markets. We thank our agents who were able to attend this show as well as visit us at Bouchard Finlayson. It is always our pleasure to participate and support such events.   The opening night of Cape Wine 08 highlighted as Cape Kontrei Cuisine was held at Groot Constantia with its history dating back to 1685. It is one of the finest surviving examples of Cape Dutch architecture in the country. Cape Kontrei Cuisine is all about showing off the Cape’s most delectable cuisine and pairing it with our most superb wines. Twenty of the Cape's finest chefs used fresh local produce to prepare exciting regional and fusion dishes. These dishes were matched with the best local wines.  Could you ask for anything better than the opportunity to wander through the cobbled courtyards listening to the rhythms of our local jazz musicians? Food experiences included a taste of the untamed Karoo lamb to West Coast oysters, traditional venison pie and local cheeses.   The producers of Walker Bay Pinot noir were honoured to have Chef Peter Goffe Wood prepare traditional sweet breads with smoked bacon and petit pois. Whispers were that it was the best pairing of the show…
	We are fortunate to have Frank Woodvine in our midst whom in 2007, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Fernkloof Nature Reserve in Hermanus was presented  by the Overstrand Conservation Society with their award in respect of "Long and Enduring Service to the Natural Environment in which we all live."   In the 1950’s Frank emigrated from the UK as a Forestry student and joined the then Rhodesia Forestry Commission. He worked in a range of assignments for 21 years. A particularly interesting spell was in the Timber Resources Survey Unit which meant walking over thousands of square kilometres of some of the wilder parts of Northern Matabeleland.  This included a survey of tree species in the remote, previously unexplored Zambesi Valley, which would be inundated when the Kariba Dam wall was completed in 1960.  The area teemed with wildlife, particularly black rhino, notoriously aggressive and bad tempered. Encountering them in dense thorn bush, their preferred habitat, led Frank to think that he was the endangered species…   In the mid ‘70’s Frank emigrated with his family to South Africa where he took up the position of Curator of Fernkloof Nature Reserve, in the heart of the Cape Floral Kingdom. Although only small, in South African terms, at 2 000 hectares it has some 1 600 plant species naturally occurring, in contrast to the 1 500 found in the British Isles.   Frank’s main activities are now centred on voluntary environmental initiatives, as an honorary life member of Hermanus Botanical Society, Cliff Path Management Group and eco-schools education facilitator.   Frank shares a thought with us … Imagine a land, fertile and well watered yet almost devoid of trees. This was the scene which faced the early settlers at the Cape of Good Hope, where the Dutch East India company established a victualling station in the 1650's.   The French botanical explorer, le Vaillant, collecting at the Cape in the 1700's, on seeing the treeless landscape and the scant attire of the Khoi Khoi, the original inhabitants was moved to remark, "The land is scarce more clothed than its inhabitants."   Yet a few small areas of indigenous woodland, known as Afro Montane Forest, do occur in deep ravines, (known locally as kloofs), usually with permanent water where they are sheltered from periodic fires and generally too remote to exploit.   On our Wine farm we have one such small patch of forest, hugging the banks of Galpin's Stream, which supplies the vital water for irrigating our vines. In a series of small waterfalls the stream cascades for some 100 metres and at the foot of each fall is a small shady pool, ringed by ferns and home to some of our frog species.   Splendid tree specimens such as Rooiels, (Cunonia capensis), perhaps 200 years old, jostle for space alongside Boekenhout, (Rapanea melanophloes). Both produce high quality furniture timber and the latter has recently been used in making violins. Of botanical interest, all other 16 species of Cunonia are confined to faraway New Caledonia.   Another large tree, up to 10 metres high, is the African Holly, (Ilex mitis), with its crimson berries similar to its cousin the European Holly, traditionally associated with Christmas.  When the leaves of the holly are rubbed together in water they produce a lather, used in earlier times by woodcutters washing in forest streams.   Olinia ventosa, or Hard Pear, is another handsome tree producing a hard, heavy strong wood.  It is easily identified, as the crushed leaves and freshly cut timber smell strongly of almonds.   In addition to the trees, many species of shrubs and a host of shade-loving flowers delight the eye and pose a challenge to the amateur botanist and nature lover, an area worthy of our special protection.   On the hottest of summer days, the forest is a tranquil and shady retreat, ideal for a picnic and perhaps a glass of chilled Chardonnay, isolated from the bustle and activity of cellar and vineyard.
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