• Pinot Noir from 1993 - 2009
• Hannibal from 2001 - 2008
• Chardonnay from 1992 - 2009
• Sauvignon Blanc from 1991 - 2010
• Blanc de Mer from 1991 - 2010


• BLANC DE MER from 1991 - 2010

The name Blanc de Mer “White of the Sea” says it all: a special dry white blend, best enjoyed with oysters, crustaceans and light fish dishes. Blanc de Mer is a wonderful match with Thai and mild Indian cuisine. An ideal wine as an aperitif on the patio.

Blanc de Mer has been synonymous with Bouchard Finlayson since 1991 when it was made for the first time. Originally it was only made from grapes bought in from vineyards in the Overberg production district.


1991 Blanc de Mer

The privilege of harvesting four early cultivars during the month of March can be no greater proof of the cool vineyard location from whence these grapes come. Harvested from 1st March to 20th March 1991.
Bottled October 1991.

Varietal mix : Kerner 50%; Weiser riesling 35%; Pinot gris 10%; Gewurtztraminer 5%.

80% of the grapes were harvested from a vineyard in the Elandskloof Valley, which nestles in a blind mountain valley behind the village of Villiersdorp, about one hour’s driving from Hermanus. This vineyard is situated at bout 700 metres above sea level.

The Pinot gris and Gewurtztraminer were harvested in an area called Elgin, which is best know for its excellent apples. This is also mountain country.


1992 Blanc de Mer

This vintage started on 19th February, and ended with the last of three varieties on the 18th of March. Some eighty percent of this wine is from a single grape variety grown on non-irrigated soil in the Elandskloof Valley near Villiersdorp. The twenty percent portion is a combination of a mildly Muscat type, plus a grape of traditional rosebud fragrance harvested in the apple growing area, west of Hermanus.

Peach kernels, mapped with flowery walnut and honey fragrances, enhanced by purposeful maturation “sur lie” after tactful use of traditional malolactic acid reduction. Moderately rich and concentrated, with an ever so gentle hint of residual grape sugar (4 g/l).


1994 Blanc de Mer

A stunning vintage, excellent grapes received from three different vineyard locations. 90% of the grapes were sourced in the mountains of the Elandskloof Valley behind Villiersdorp. Ripening was rapid and very early, which called for a quick response from the winery. In fact, the cellar effort was stretched to its maxim.

The bulk of the crop was harvested during the last week of February and the first week of March. An interesting aspect was the need to pick the Weisser riesling portion (23%) at 18 degree Balling after receiving the Chardonnay portion (28%) at 25 degree Balling. The Kerner portion (40%) came in at 22 degree Balling which could be considered optimum. The remaining 9% is Gewurtztraminer. The fingerprint is the same as in previous vintages, but no malolactic fermentation this time.


1995 Blanc de Mer

Once again a great vintage, with grapes harvested under near perfect conditions. Harvesting consisted of four major components coming from tow locations, namely the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley near Hermanus for Pinot blanc and 5 tons of Chardonnay. Further Chardonnay came from Elandskloof near Villiersdorp, the Kerner and Rhine riesling also coming from the valley. As happened last year, the Weisser Riesling portion was again harvested at a grape sugar of 18,5 Degree Balling. The blend is slightly altered with Pinot blanc making its first appearance. Components are as follows: Chardonnay 31,5 %; Kerner 26,5 %, Weisser riesling 22 %; Pinot blanc 13 % and Gewurtztraminer 7%.


1996 Blanc de Mer

A late vintage for most of the grapes. “Noble rot” did occur, adding wonderful complexity to the resultant pressings!

70% of the grapes come from the Elandkloof Valley behind Villiersdorp. These are all non-irrigated vines which have offered great extraction flavour during this vintage.

The grapes used in the blend of this product are in the following proportions Kerner 35%, Weisser riesling 32%, Pinot blanc 16%, Gewurtztraminer 10% and Chardonnay 7%.


1997 Blanc de Mer

A very late vintage with the last grapes being picked on 17th April. Fortunately autumn weather was mild with no rain – conditions could not have been better.

All the grapes used in this blend are from non-irrigated vines, which have offered great extraction of flavour during this vintage!

The grapes used in the blend of this product are in the following proportions: Chardonnay 35%; Rhine Riesling 29%; Kerner 16%; Gewurtztraminer 12% and Pinot blanc 8%.


1998 Blanc de Mer

A charming vintage with the last grapes being harvested during a cool late summer, providing grapes with optimum fruit ripeness and firm structure. Harvest date was middle March.

All the grapes come from non-irrigated vines, offering the traditional Blanc de Mer blend. These varietals are: Kerner which makes up half the blend while Rhine riesling, Chardonnay, Gewurtztraminer and Pinot blanc each occur in the other half.

The 1998 vintage is richer that the 1997, a reflection of the early ripening and noble rot in the Riesling and Kerner. This light-medium bodied wine offers a firm mid palate with lots of spice and tropical fruit flavours with a lingering finish.


1999 Blanc de Mer

The bulk of this vintage was harvested during the last week of March when conditions had cooled off, allowing the grapes to reach optimum ripeness while retaining their firm structure. The traditional Blanc de Mer blend is slightly altered this time with Pinot blanc giving way to Sauvignon blanc (10%) for the first time. The other cultivars are Kerner (Trollinger/Riesling) Rhine riesling, Chardonnay and Gewürztraminer. A classy, all-occasions wine.

“Highly underrated, delightful…” (John Platter’s guide)


2000 Blanc de Mer

Due to the warm summer the ripening of the bulk of this vintage was a little earlier than usual. Most of the fruit was picked during the 2nd week of March when conditions had cooled off.

This blend of Blanc de Mer is once again different, with the largest component being Weisser riesling at 30%. The balance of grape components in descending order is Kerner, Chardonnay, Gewurtztraminer and Sauvignon blanc.

With the influence of malolactic fermentation this vintage is softer on the palate than previously. It is medium bodied with lots of middle palate with a fruity after taste.


2001 Blanc de Mer

Due to the heterogeneous mix of varietals making up this blend, harvesting dates range from 8th to 24th March. Fruit was healthy and full of flavour with ideal growing condition enjoyed in the respective vineyards.

This blend of Blanc de Mer differs marginally from previous vintages with the largest component being Kerner at 39%; Weisser riesling at 27%; Pinot blanc at 14%; Sauvignon blanc 10% and Gewürztraminer at 10%.

This vintage is more austere than the previous release. It is maturing slowly and starting to show great structure with a deceptive dry finish – excellent seafood companion – particularly with oysters.


2002 Blanc de Mer

This blend accounted for a small bottling of only 8 536 bottles. The traditional presence of aromatic cultivars such as Riesling and Gewürztraminer remain a notable part of this wine, the important difference is that, for the first time, Chardonnay becomes the dominant varietal here at 42%. The rest of the make-up consists of 24% Weisser riesling, 15% Gewürztraminer, 10% Pinot blanc & 9% Kerner.

50% of the grapes come from the Elandskloof Valley, behind the village of Villiersdorp. 20% were from the Elgin region while the remaining 30%, which consists mainly of Riesling, were from the domain.


2003 Blanc de Mer

While the blend from the previous vintage was predominantly Chardonnay, this year’s mix presents the unusual situation of having Riesling as the major component at 52%. The balance is 20% Gewürztraminer, 17% Pinot blanc and 11% Chardonnay.

A significant achievement is having 70% of the blend made up from domain grapes.


2004 Blanc de Mer

This vintage represents four different grape varieties. Some mid February rains reduced the Riesling & Pinot blanc crop but in the process retained excellent fruit character, which has played handsomely into enhancing the character of this bottling.

The 40% Rhine riesling component retains a uniquely floral aspect to this label. It is supported by Pinot blanc and Chardonnay at 22% equally while the last 16% represents an inclusion of Sauvignon blanc.

Powerful but restrained. The palate is rich and creamy with a hint of green apple and melon. The finish is firm which makes the wine seem almost dry despite some residual grape sugar.

While the opportunity to enjoy as a fresh young wine exists, it will mature to offer good reward to those who are prepared to be patient!"


2005 Blanc de Mer

Traditionally Blanc de Mer has been a great companion to relaxed dining.  This is perhaps because it does not have to answer to pre-ordained varietal norms. A situation which essentially makes it uncomplicated and an easy choice for those moments where the food and company simply call for a charismatic bottle.
 
This year’s mix is 32% Rhine riesling, 28% Sauvignon blanc, 21% Chardonnay and 19% Pinot blanc.  These four varieties combine in a “ménage à quatre”, offering a kaleidoscope of flavours with citrus blossom bouquets, dominated on the palate by powerful tropical flinty peach tastes. The wine is rich and inviting. The finish is not quite dry but the palate does finish with excellent length.
 
The name Blanc de Mer serves to remind one of its position with seafood.  Served well chilled, it is ideal with oysters, salmon and fresh line fish.  While the opportunity to enjoy as a fresh young wine exists, it will mature to offer good reward to those who are prepared to be patient!


2006 Blanc de Mer

Traditionally Blanc de Mer has been a great companion to relaxed dining.  This is perhaps because it does not have to answer to pre-ordained varietal norms.  A situation which essentially makes it uncomplicated and an easy choice for those moments where the food and company simply call for a charismatic bottle.

This year’s mix is 38% Viognier, 32% Sauvignon Blanc, 13% Rhine Riesling, 9% Pinot blanc and 8% Chardonnay.  These five varieties combined, offer a kaleidoscope of flavours with citrus blossom bouquets, dominated on the palate by powerful tropical flinty peach tastes.  The wine is rich and inviting.  The finish is not quite dry but the palate does finish with excellent length.

The name Blanc de Mer serves to remind one of its positions with seafood.  Served well chilled, it is ideal with oysters, salmon and fresh line fish.  While the opportunity to enjoy as a fresh young wine exists, it will mature to offer a good reward to those who are prepared to be patient!


2007 Blanc de Mer

Year by year the Blanc de Mer label has varied in its blend, but I have always considered this wine to require Rhine Riesling as its dominant identifying varietal. This has not always been possible but for this vintage we have managed to secure a 39% Riesling content. The floral foot print plus its fresh Riesling acidity offers an identifiable style. The rest of the blend 33% Viognier, 17% Sauvignon Blanc and 11% Chenin Blanc.
 
Deliciously fragrant with an inviting easy drinking style. Rich on the palate with a creamy elegance followed by hints of green apple and melon. The finish is firm which makes the wine seem almost dry despite some natural residual grape sugar.
 
Blanc de Mer relates to sea foods, but do not hesitate in serving at all occasions. Enjoy young or be patient and take advantage of its added complexity after four years of aging! 


2008 Blanc de Mer

This vintage could at best be described as controversial.  Weather dealt a mean pack of cards but fortunately good timing and many years of experience assisted in excellent results emerging in the final product.

Blanc de Mer is probably the only white blend from the Cape which predominantly has Riesling as its principal component.  This being 49 % with Viognier at 22 %. The rest is Chenin Blanc 15 % and Sauvignon Blanc 12 %. The fifth component is just a small portion of Chardonnay 2 %.

This cuvee is distinguished by excellent fruit balance with no single element dominating.  It is simultaneously luscious in the mouth, yet clean and refreshing on the finish.  Fruit flavours dominate with kiwi, peaches, pineapple and honeysuckle presenting strong palate influence.


2009 Blanc de Mer

Once again dominated by true Rhine Riesling (39 %). Living up to its elevated status of celebrated 2008 vintage fame, this next vintage of Blanc de Mer is a winemaker's challenge.  Fortunately weather conditions cast a magic spell over vintage 2009 where near perfect grapes were produced in all departments. The result is an action packed composition of varieties ready to claim every bit of the magic attributed to the 2008 which was Stephen Spurrier's choice of best New World White in Decanter Wine Magazine May 2009.

This blend varies from year to year but it is similar to 2007 where Riesling comprised 39%.  Next is Viognier at 28%, Chardonnay 13%, Chenin Blanc 9%, Sauvignon Blanc 8% and Semillon at 3%. A Rich vintage offering a medley of flavours covering a symphony of fruits such as quince, gooseberry, peach and orange blossom.  It is rich and inviting and ideal for relaxed occasions, especially during warm summer days!


2010 Blanc de Mer

This white blend has enjoyed an evolutionary development over the last twenty years with its recent history four years of inclusion of Viognier as its secondary blending partner with the dominant Riesling grape.

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 %.

While Blanc de Mer is our most price effective label, it need not be humble in its status. Numerous tastings have offered it every opportunity not to be humble. Perhaps the most noteworthy accolade was Stephen Spurrier’s top rating in Decanter Magazine (May 2009) where he nominated the Blanc de Mer as the new world’s best white!

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.