Bouchard Finlayson’s wine range in 2008 consists of:
2007 Tete de Cuvee Galpin Peak Pinot noir
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!
2008 Galpin Peak Pinot Noir
This is no doubt one of the fruitiest presentations of Galpin Peak in many years. It has an appealing fresh fruit structure with accentuated length and elegance on the palate. Fully dry, but soft & gentle with a touch of crispness. Flavours of cherry, blackberry & violets followed by an earthy spicyness. It is in harmony with its expectations and does not disappoint in its rich candid finish!
2007 Hannibal
Vintage 2007 has reverted to receiving a much smaller content of Shiraz than in 2006 - This time 13 %. Sangiovese dominates with 52 % followed by Pinot noir at 14 % then Shiraz 13 %, Nebbiolo 9 %, Mourvedre 9 % and Barbera 3 %. This wine has concentrated dark fruit nose with an austere, gentle palate weight. Tannins are velvety and offer a slow-pronounced aromatic finish!
2008 Missionvale 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 & richer colour!
2008 Crocodile's Lair / Kaaimansgat Chardonnay
Vintage 2008 was very late but has still managed to produce another excellent Chardonnay bottling. Characterised by rich mineral and citrus fruit design overlaid with peach & vanilla flavour tones all enhanced by only the best French Oak – 25% being new barrel compliment.
2008 Sans Barrique Chardonnay
Vintage 2008 has proven to be a most successful white wine opportunity and this bottling is no exception. Here is an opportunity for Chardonnay lovers who like their Chardonnay unhindered by the taste of oak. It projects a complex fruit driven structure with excellent mineral overtones which linger on the mid palate. Lively and vibrant with great length and emphatic flavour.
2009 Walker Bay Sauvignon blanc
The grapes from vintage 2009 have presented perfect fruit. It was a long dry season with ideal ripening conditions following a late winter and above average spring rainfall. This elevated vintage presents a really fresh generously bodied wine with full zesty aromatic flavours, a long mineral finish and promise to develop with a full palate!
2009 Blanc de Mer
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!
