Vintage 2024

Walker Bay Sauvignon Blanc, Bouchard Finlayson

Bouchard Finlayson
Product Code: BN18ZZWC

Tasting Notes

An enthralling nose of white peach, lime zest and granny smith apples complements a silky, coated mid-pallet that lingers in the mouth. The bright minerality typical of the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley elevates flavours of orange peel, pear and layers of fragrant jasmine. Balanced and integrated, this wine has a crisp core that speaks of a clean-cut complexity. Serve chilled and enjoy as the wine unfolds in your glass.

Profile

Sauvignon Blanc
13.25
SOUTH AFRICA
6
Screw Cap
Bouchard Finlayson
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            [Notes1] => An enthralling nose of white peach, lime zest and granny smith apples complements a silky, coated mid-pallet that lingers in the mouth. The bright minerality typical of the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley elevates flavours of orange peel, pear and layers of fragrant jasmine. Balanced and integrated, this wine has a crisp core that speaks of a clean-cut complexity. Serve chilled and enjoy as the wine unfolds in your glass.			
			
			
			

            [Notes2] => 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
            [Notes3] => 
            [Notes4] => 
            [MediaNotes] => 
            [ServingSuggestion] => Ripe camembert dressed in toasted almonds and fragrant wild honey. Creamy mushroom risotto,Thai (chilli) chicken soup or a flavourful seafood bisque will pair beautifully with our Sauvignon Blanc.			
			

            [WineMakingNotes] => Varied picking dates stretch through a period of up to three weeks, allowing for the creation of a wine that is balanced by crisp acidity and a rich fruit profile - induced by a later ripening. A small portion of the grapes undergoes a skin-contact period, in which the backbone for a full and concentrated mouthfeel starts to form. Fruit arrives at the cellar before the heat of the afternoon and is gently crushed, destemmed and pressed. Free-run portions are fermented long and cool, followed by a lengthy lees maturation period in tank (sur lie).			

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                    [Notes1] => 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.
                    [Notes2] => 
                    [Notes3] => Hemel-en-Aarde Valley
                    [Notes4] => One of South Africa’s most awarded boutique wine estates lies in a scenic valley, just an hour and a half from Cape Town, called Hemel-en-Aarde or Heaven-and-Earth. Framed by great fold mountains and breath-taking ocean views, it is one of the coolest wine-making regions in the Cape, with duplex soil structures and sun-facing slopes. The promise of the unique terroir is harnessed by winemaker Peter Finlayson in slow-ripened, flavour-rich wines of exceptional quality..
Bouchard Finlayson is globally acclaimed for producing the best Pinot Noir in South Africa, as well as exceptional Chardonnays and Sauvignon Blancs. The vineyards are surrounded by an indigenous floral conservancy alive with birdsong and wildflowers. Beyond the beauty of the farm itself, you can discover the enchantments of the local area. Some of the popular attractions of nearby Hermanus include whale-watching; shark-cage diving; mountain hiking or biking; browsing art, antiques and shops; and of course, the white sandy beaches.
                    [Notes5] => 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 work to keep vines cool thereby encouraging slow ripening and flavour-rich grapes.

The soil of the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley is predominantly a duplex structure of Bokkeveld Shale. The top layer consists of a mixture of clay (15-30%) and gravel (ironstone and granite particles) and the lower layer is clay shale, which secures a source of moisture. Vines are planted on gentle slopes in a north-south direction, which takes advantage of the daily travel of sunlight from east to west and ensures equitable sunlight exposure. Vineyard practices are in keeping with planting and trellising methods of the most respected French wine-producing areas, with vine density exceeding 9000 vines per hectare. More than 50% of the vineyard is dedicated to growing Pinot Noir.

Bouchard Finlayson has established a global reputation for its flagship wine, the Galpin Peak Pinot Noir, which has won numerous awards and accolades. Repeated vintages of this path-blazing wine continue to reflect a true celebration of Pinot. consistently endorsing the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley as the perfect place to grow this illusive grape. Other cultivars from the farm include Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Sangiovese, Chenin Blanc and Riesling as well as some newer varieties. Nebbiolo, Barbera and Mourvèdre – unusual in new-world wine growing regions but very well suited to the unique terroir.
 
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                    [Notes1] => 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.
                    [Notes2] => 
                    [Notes3] => Hemel-en-Aarde Valley
                    [Notes4] => One of South Africa’s most awarded boutique wine estates lies in a scenic valley, just an hour and a half from Cape Town, called Hemel-en-Aarde or Heaven-and-Earth. Framed by great fold mountains and breath-taking ocean views, it is one of the coolest wine-making regions in the Cape, with duplex soil structures and sun-facing slopes. The promise of the unique terroir is harnessed by winemaker Peter Finlayson in slow-ripened, flavour-rich wines of exceptional quality..
Bouchard Finlayson is globally acclaimed for producing the best Pinot Noir in South Africa, as well as exceptional Chardonnays and Sauvignon Blancs. The vineyards are surrounded by an indigenous floral conservancy alive with birdsong and wildflowers. Beyond the beauty of the farm itself, you can discover the enchantments of the local area. Some of the popular attractions of nearby Hermanus include whale-watching; shark-cage diving; mountain hiking or biking; browsing art, antiques and shops; and of course, the white sandy beaches.
                    [Notes5] => 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 work to keep vines cool thereby encouraging slow ripening and flavour-rich grapes.

The soil of the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley is predominantly a duplex structure of Bokkeveld Shale. The top layer consists of a mixture of clay (15-30%) and gravel (ironstone and granite particles) and the lower layer is clay shale, which secures a source of moisture. Vines are planted on gentle slopes in a north-south direction, which takes advantage of the daily travel of sunlight from east to west and ensures equitable sunlight exposure. Vineyard practices are in keeping with planting and trellising methods of the most respected French wine-producing areas, with vine density exceeding 9000 vines per hectare. More than 50% of the vineyard is dedicated to growing Pinot Noir.

Bouchard Finlayson has established a global reputation for its flagship wine, the Galpin Peak Pinot Noir, which has won numerous awards and accolades. Repeated vintages of this path-blazing wine continue to reflect a true celebration of Pinot. consistently endorsing the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley as the perfect place to grow this illusive grape. Other cultivars from the farm include Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Sangiovese, Chenin Blanc and Riesling as well as some newer varieties. Nebbiolo, Barbera and Mourvèdre – unusual in new-world wine growing regions but very well suited to the unique terroir.
 
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                    [Notes1] => 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.
                    [Notes2] => 
                    [Notes3] => Hemel-en-Aarde Valley
                    [Notes4] => One of South Africa’s most awarded boutique wine estates lies in a scenic valley, just an hour and a half from Cape Town, called Hemel-en-Aarde or Heaven-and-Earth. Framed by great fold mountains and breath-taking ocean views, it is one of the coolest wine-making regions in the Cape, with duplex soil structures and sun-facing slopes. The promise of the unique terroir is harnessed by winemaker Peter Finlayson in slow-ripened, flavour-rich wines of exceptional quality..
Bouchard Finlayson is globally acclaimed for producing the best Pinot Noir in South Africa, as well as exceptional Chardonnays and Sauvignon Blancs. The vineyards are surrounded by an indigenous floral conservancy alive with birdsong and wildflowers. Beyond the beauty of the farm itself, you can discover the enchantments of the local area. Some of the popular attractions of nearby Hermanus include whale-watching; shark-cage diving; mountain hiking or biking; browsing art, antiques and shops; and of course, the white sandy beaches.
                    [Notes5] => 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 work to keep vines cool thereby encouraging slow ripening and flavour-rich grapes.

The soil of the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley is predominantly a duplex structure of Bokkeveld Shale. The top layer consists of a mixture of clay (15-30%) and gravel (ironstone and granite particles) and the lower layer is clay shale, which secures a source of moisture. Vines are planted on gentle slopes in a north-south direction, which takes advantage of the daily travel of sunlight from east to west and ensures equitable sunlight exposure. Vineyard practices are in keeping with planting and trellising methods of the most respected French wine-producing areas, with vine density exceeding 9000 vines per hectare. More than 50% of the vineyard is dedicated to growing Pinot Noir.

Bouchard Finlayson has established a global reputation for its flagship wine, the Galpin Peak Pinot Noir, which has won numerous awards and accolades. Repeated vintages of this path-blazing wine continue to reflect a true celebration of Pinot. consistently endorsing the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley as the perfect place to grow this illusive grape. Other cultivars from the farm include Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Sangiovese, Chenin Blanc and Riesling as well as some newer varieties. Nebbiolo, Barbera and Mourvèdre – unusual in new-world wine growing regions but very well suited to the unique terroir.
 
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                    [Notes1] => 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.
                    [Notes2] => 
                    [Notes3] => Hemel-en-Aarde Valley
                    [Notes4] => One of South Africa’s most awarded boutique wine estates lies in a scenic valley, just an hour and a half from Cape Town, called Hemel-en-Aarde or Heaven-and-Earth. Framed by great fold mountains and breath-taking ocean views, it is one of the coolest wine-making regions in the Cape, with duplex soil structures and sun-facing slopes. The promise of the unique terroir is harnessed by winemaker Peter Finlayson in slow-ripened, flavour-rich wines of exceptional quality..
Bouchard Finlayson is globally acclaimed for producing the best Pinot Noir in South Africa, as well as exceptional Chardonnays and Sauvignon Blancs. The vineyards are surrounded by an indigenous floral conservancy alive with birdsong and wildflowers. Beyond the beauty of the farm itself, you can discover the enchantments of the local area. Some of the popular attractions of nearby Hermanus include whale-watching; shark-cage diving; mountain hiking or biking; browsing art, antiques and shops; and of course, the white sandy beaches.
                    [Notes5] => 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 work to keep vines cool thereby encouraging slow ripening and flavour-rich grapes.

The soil of the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley is predominantly a duplex structure of Bokkeveld Shale. The top layer consists of a mixture of clay (15-30%) and gravel (ironstone and granite particles) and the lower layer is clay shale, which secures a source of moisture. Vines are planted on gentle slopes in a north-south direction, which takes advantage of the daily travel of sunlight from east to west and ensures equitable sunlight exposure. Vineyard practices are in keeping with planting and trellising methods of the most respected French wine-producing areas, with vine density exceeding 9000 vines per hectare. More than 50% of the vineyard is dedicated to growing Pinot Noir.

Bouchard Finlayson has established a global reputation for its flagship wine, the Galpin Peak Pinot Noir, which has won numerous awards and accolades. Repeated vintages of this path-blazing wine continue to reflect a true celebration of Pinot. consistently endorsing the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley as the perfect place to grow this illusive grape. Other cultivars from the farm include Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Sangiovese, Chenin Blanc and Riesling as well as some newer varieties. Nebbiolo, Barbera and Mourvèdre – unusual in new-world wine growing regions but very well suited to the unique terroir.
 
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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 >

Varied picking dates stretch through a period of up to three weeks, allowing for the creation of a wine that is balanced by crisp acidity and a rich fruit profile - induced by a later ripening. A small portion of the grapes undergoes a skin-contact period, in which the backbone for a full and concentrated mouthfeel starts to form. Fruit arrives at the cellar before the heat of the afternoon and is gently crushed, destemmed and pressed. Free-run portions are fermented long and cool, followed by a lengthy lees maturation period in tank (sur lie).

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