“ Love at first taste” is how I would describe my relationship with the wines of Bouchard Finlayson. With only one sip, I was hooked. I instantly set off to find out more about this leading South African producer and made it my mission to taste as many of their wines as possible. A few months later, with my brain full of facts and my wallet a few dollars lighter, I realized this was not just a fling. I was, and still am, in love.

The vineyards of Bouchard Finlayson are nestled in the hills of an idyllic valley in the wine ward of Walker Bay, near the southern-most tip of Africa. Known by the name Hemelen-Aarde( Heaven and Earth), the valley is encircled by a high ring of hills that touch the sky and block the view of everything except heaven and earth. Vines constitute only a small portion of this 125-hectare estate, with the remainder being devoted to the endangered fynbos flora unique to this part of Africa.

Established in 1986, Bouchard Finlayson was originally conceived as a collaboration between South Africa’ s Pinot pioneer, Peter Finlayson, and great Burgundian winemaker Paul Bouchard. Although ownership of the estate has since changed hands, Finlayson has remained the winemaker and the wines display a decidedly Burgundian influence. In fact, more than half of the vineyard land is dedicated to the finicky Pinot Noir grape. Chardonnay is also significantly planted,

with Sauvignon Blanc and an assortment of aromatic white and Italian red varieties rounding out the portfolio.

Finlayson believes great wines are made in the vineyard and these vineyards are a lesson in greatness themselves. The top-quality fruit that is produced is expertly handled in order to yield the calibre of wines attributed to the Bouchard Finlayson name. Walker Bay benefits from the influence of the nearby Atlantic Ocean, making it one of the coolest areas in the Cape. Coupled with the warm daytime sunshine, the cooling breezes provide an ideal and balanced environment for the vines. Finlayson compares winemaking to the sport of cricket, art mingled with instinct, and ultimately at the mercy of climate and weather. It is his competitive edge and passionate spirit that propel him forward each year.

The international wine press continues to fall in love with the wines of Bouchard Finlayson and top-notch scores are becoming de rigeur. Bouchard Finlayson is a boutique winery in every sense of the word and production levels are no exception— we count ourselves lucky to get our hands on any of these wines! Not only is this winery making some of the best wine in South Africa, it is making some of the best wine in the world. Treat yourself to a taste and you too will be singing the praises of South Africa!

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