Nestled in the picturesque Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, between Cape Point and Cape Agulhas in South Africa, lies the Bouchard Finlayson Estate. Surrounded by the Galpin Peak and the Tower of Babel mountains, with the Atlantic Ocean in sight, this breathtaking location is aptly named the Heaven and Earth Valley. The cool climate of Walker Bay, influenced by the cold Atlantic and sheltered by the mountains, makes it one of the Cape's coolest wine-growing areas.
In 1989, Peter Finlayson, renowned for his winemaking expertise in Walker Bay Chardonnay and Pinot Noir during his tenure at the nearby Hamilton Russell estate, established Bouchard Finlayson. Since then, the estate has become synonymous with producing exceptional wines, including South Africa's finest Pinot Noir - the Tête De Cuvée Galpin Peak - and a range of excellent Chardonnays. In addition to these varietals, Bouchard Finlayson has also planted select Italian grape varieties that contribute to their Hannibal cuvée, along with Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling, which add their own unique character to the Blanc De Mer blend.
The Wine
The cool climate of the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley imparts a distinctive character to the wines of Bouchard Finlayson, setting them apart from their New World counterparts. Peter Finlayson's mastery of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir has garnered comparisons to the wines of Burgundy, and these comparisons are far from unfounded. He firmly believes that exceptional wines can only be crafted from the finest grapes, achieved by carefully managing yields and meticulously caring for the vineyards. Once the grapes arrive at the winery, minimal intervention is employed to ensure that the wines reflect the inherent quality of the fruit. It is no wonder that Bouchard Finlayson is celebrated for producing some of South Africa's finest wines.
While devoted to winemaking, Bouchard Finlayson also places great emphasis on biodiversity and conservation. The estate is home to a remarkable native fynbos flora, with only 22 hectares of the 125-hectare estate dedicated to vineyards. This commitment to preserving the unique natural environment of the region further enhances the allure of this delightful area.
