Before we left the Hemel en Aarde valley, we visited Bouchard Finlayson
where John had organised a tasting for us and our English guest
The winery was fast preparing for harvest which began later that month
Some ancient bottles in their cubby holes
A definite DO NOT DISTURB sign
Everything being scrubbed clean
A taste of the Blanc de Mer 2023, a blend of 65% Weisser Reisling, with Viognier and Chardonnay
that goes so well with sea food dishes and is a lovely quaffing wine as well, good on picnics
Perfumed, with sea minerality and richness of the fruit. It defies expectations on the palate, crisp, zesty and long
We were presented with one of their superb platters to savour as we tasted the wines
The 2021 Sauvignon Blanc has a touch of Semillon. crisp green fruit, some pyrazines, with up-front fruit
Rounded on the palate, long flavours and a hint of oak. A style we love
Danel Theron guided us through the tasting with lots of information about the wines, the farm and the futureThe Sans Barrique (unwooded) Chardonnay 2022 has apples, cooked and fresh,
and lovely complexity on the nose and palate
The balance of acid and fruit is good; long apple and citrus flavours with lees on the end
The Mission Vale Chardonnay 2022 has herbal notes green coriander, a hint of oak and white peach
Glorious white stone fruit on the palate tastes of summer, long flavours and lemon line remain.
Our British friend, Terry Rodbard, examines the list of wines we are to taste
Bouchard Finlayson Crocodiles Lair (Kaaimans Gat) Chardonnay is from grapes grown in Villiersdorp
Lovely richness and perfume on the nose, very French in style
Golden fruit continues on the palate, long and layered, very crisp with citrus and gentle oak
Lovely richness and perfume on the nose, very French in style
Golden fruit continues on the palate, long and layered, very crisp with citrus and gentle oak
Bouchard Finlayson makes two Pinots Noir
The 2021 Galpin Peak has an attractive 'dive in" nose with rose, cherry, smoke deep and long
Lovely texture on the palate, the fruit is full on and warm, dark oak wood is present and adds to the complexity
The 2021 Tete de Cuvée (Top of the Vintage) Pinot Noir is from a selection of the best barrels, 8 in this vintage
Elegance and minerality, good wood support with incense notes on a base of cherry and mulberry fruit on the nose
Silky and full on red berry fruit, so excellent, so special soft layers black cherry, cassis, mulberry and plum in harmony
Special with length and satisfaction. We scored this very high
Bouchard Finlayson's Hannibal is a complex red blend of Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, Barbera, Shiraz, Pinot Noir and Mourvedre
So complex on the nose that one asks "what are you?". A blend of beautiful rich red varietals, a hint of Italy with wilderness
They follow through with richness and depth on the palate,
such a clever blend of this food-directed wine, juicy and complete, really gets the juices flowing
We were thankful for the platter in front of us
If you are in the valley, you should not miss tasting these wines
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