Vintage 2020

Tete De Cuvee, Hemel-an-Aarde Valley, Walker Bay, Pinot Noir, Bouchard Finlayson

Bouchard Finlayson
Product Code: BN02ZZRC

Tasting Notes

Brimming with potential to make a lasting sensory impression. Powerful and opulent,with gorgeous black cherry and blueberry flavours, neatly wrapped with a line of fine powdered tannin. Game, violet and a subtle cinnamon are focussed on a dry and velvety smooth finish. Best from 2024 through 2030.

Profile

Pinot Noir
14.19
SOUTH AFRICA
6
Cork
Bouchard Finlayson
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            [Description] => Bouchard Finlayson, Tete De Cuvee
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            [Notes1] => Brimming with potential to make a lasting sensory impression. Powerful and opulent,with gorgeous black cherry and blueberry flavours, neatly wrapped with a line of fine powdered tannin. Game, violet and a subtle cinnamon are focussed on a dry and velvety smooth finish. Best from 2024 through 2030.			
			
			
			

            [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] => 95 pts - International Wine Challenge, SA Red Trophy, 2022		
95 pts – Tim Atkin South Africa Report, 2022		
93 pts – Wine Spectator, 2022		
96 pts - James Suckling, 2022		

            [ServingSuggestion] => Pairs beautifully with the special moments in life – anniversaries, birthdays and family gatherings. Consider a fragrant crab or shellfish risotto, succulent and crispy fried duck breast or a classic Thanksgiving turkey with cranberry sauce.			
			

            [WineMakingNotes] => A Tête de Cuvée wine is not presented at every vintage. The emphasis here is placed on attaching    			
the best Pinot Noir ferments to best new wood, with the intention of sculpting a top quality,			
collectors wine. This bottling is regarded as the most promising wine from the cellar and carries the			
Bouchard Finlayson flag. The majority of grapes supplied for this cuvee is from the oldest vines on the			
property, with the average vine age exceeding 22 years. The winemaker selects individual barrels to 			
compile the chosen components – in this instance only six, of which four were new oak.			

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                            [GrapeCharacteristics] => Young Pinot Noir can smell almost sweet, redolent with freshly crushed raspberries, cherries and redcurrants. When mature, the best wines develop a sensuous, silky mouth feel with the fruit flavours deepening and gamey "sous-bois" nuances emerging. 
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                    [Name] => Bouchard Finlayson
                    [Address1] => Hemel en Aarde Valley
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                    [Address3] => Hermanus
                    [Address4] =>  
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                    [Country] => SOUTH AFRICA
                    [Phone] => 0027283123515
                    [Fax] => 0027283122317
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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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                    [Name] => Bouchard Finlayson
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                    [Address2] => PO Box 303
                    [Address3] => Hermanus
                    [Address4] =>  
                    [Address5] => 7200
                    [Country] => SOUTH AFRICA
                    [Phone] => 0027283123515
                    [Fax] => 0027283122317
                    [Email] =>  
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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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                    [Name] => Bouchard Finlayson
                    [Address1] => Hemel en Aarde Valley
                    [Address2] => PO Box 303
                    [Address3] => Hermanus
                    [Address4] =>  
                    [Address5] => 7200
                    [Country] => SOUTH AFRICA
                    [Phone] => 0027283123515
                    [Fax] => 0027283122317
                    [Email] =>  
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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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                    [Address4] =>  
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                    [Country] => SOUTH AFRICA
                    [Phone] => 0027283123515
                    [Fax] => 0027283122317
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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 >

A Tête de Cuvée wine is not presented at every vintage. The emphasis here is placed on attaching the best Pinot Noir ferments to best new wood, with the intention of sculpting a top quality, collectors wine. This bottling is regarded as the most promising wine from the cellar and carries the Bouchard Finlayson flag. The majority of grapes supplied for this cuvee is from the oldest vines on the property, with the average vine age exceeding 22 years. The winemaker selects individual barrels to compile the chosen components – in this instance only six, of which four were new oak.

Awards +

95 pts - International Wine Challenge, SA Red Trophy, 2022
95 pts – Tim Atkin South Africa Report, 2022
93 pts – Wine Spectator, 2022
96 pts - James Suckling, 2022

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