Vintage 2019

Galpin Peak Pinot Noir Magnum, Bouchard Finlayson

Bouchard Finlayson
Product Code: BN04ZZRF

Tasting Notes

"Another classic example of a typical Bouchard Finlayson Galpin Peak offering. Firm and resonating with anticipation, its flavour profile is slowly unfolding where a little patience will offer a generous palate of fruits of the forest flavours and development of complex cherry and dark berry tones. Polished and lingering, it will benefit from ageing.

Profile

Pinot Noir
13.77
SOUTH AFRICA
3
Cork
Bouchard Finlayson
VeganVegetarian

About this product +

Producer >

This boutique winery was founded in 1989 by renowned Burgundian winemaker, Paul Bouchard and South African Pinot Noir pioneer, Peter Finlayson. Situated in the cool climate Hemel-en-Aarde Valley in Walker Bay, 110 kilometres south east of Cape Town, the 22 hectares of vineyard are laid out according to Burgundian principles and more than half are planted with Pinot Noir. Vines are densely planted at 9,000 vines per hectare and green harvesting takes place at veraison (change of colour of grape pigmentation) in order to develop flavour concentration. The vineyards have soils of a distinctive clay-rich Bokkeveld shale (gravel and shale) and the nearby, cold ocean provides a cooling effect on the land. The winery is a leader in responsible agriculture and a pioneer for the World Wide Fund for Nature Conservation. In addition to the acclaimed Pinot Noirs, Bouchard Finlayson also produce highly rated Chardonnays, Sauvignon Blancs and Rieslings.

Viticulture >

The meticulous viticulture approach is based on the Burgundian principal of high-density planting with low yields from individual vines. 9000 vines are planted per hectare, one metre apart, in five rows. The sixth row is missing to facilitate maintenance of the vines and to avoid compaction of the soils. High density planting encourages greater surface of leaf exposure and restricts root growth, thereby improving fruit concentration, which is so essential to the making of truly great wines. Green harvesting is done at veraison, usually removing about 35% of the potential crop. Picking is done by hand with up to three separate passes through the vineyards to ensure that only the grapes at optimum ripeness are picked. The cool climate of Walker Bay is perfect for our Pinot Noir and largely influenced by the nearby cold Atlantic Ocean, rendering it one of the coolest wine growing areas in the Cape. The Hemel-en-Aarde valley is surrounded and sheltered by a mountain barrier – formed by the Galpin Peak at 810m and the Tower of Babel at 1200m – trapping the cloud cover and moisture brought in from the sea by the prevailing wind. Summer conditions are consequently warm rather than hot, and winter conditions are mild and frost-free. The sea breezes

Winemaking >

Following a tried and tested process of offering a three day cold soak before allowing fermenta- tion to set in - lasting seven days. Thereafter, a patient lockdown, and in-tank process of a further seven days, allowing for the cap to enjoy an extended soak. Gentle pressing ensured the first portion of wine remained seperated from the press fraction. This offers the opportunity to balance the tannin compliment at a later stage. While all of this vintage has enjoyed ten months in French Oak barrels, a thirty percent portion received a new oak compliment.

Awards +

Silver Medal (90pts) - International Wine Challenge, 2021
Silver Medal (92pts) - Decanter Wine Awards, 2021
92 pts - Tim Atkin (MW), South Africa Special Report, 2021
90 pts – Wine Spectator, 2021
Double Gold - Michelangelo International Wine and Spirits Awards, 2021
93 pts - James Suckling, 2021
4.5 stars / 93 pts - Platter Wine Guide, 2022

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