A word from Peter Finlayson and Chris Albrecht: Always an exciting time of year in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. The energy is electric, and one's senses are heightened from the beauty and warmth of the rising sun above Galpin Peak mountain, nature's nurturing calls, tractors rumbling, shears clicking and the sound of voices trickling through the vineyard.
The cellar team await in anticipation to receive the grapes - this is their opportunity to make a success of the year's bounty. Peter on Pinot Noir, "We have to be very grateful, another what I call 'soft year' for Pinot Noir - no heatwaves leading up to this vintage, the condition of the grapes are fantastic. We can only be most positive and thankful for the exciting prospects of the 2020 vintage". Chris on the white varietals, "Following an unusually wet and cold few weeks, the earlier ripening varieties, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Riesling, came into the cellar rejuvenated, with refreshingly high natural acidity. We are looking forward to more excellent quality fruit from the 2020 vintage."
Team Bouchard Finlayson's pre-harvest celebration
With the January sun's rays still warming our souls and the lilt of a band's tunes drifting through the thriving vineyards, team Bouchard Finlayson were welcomed by the Tollman family to their Homestead for their annual harvest party. A spectacular evening of music, laughter, savouring our award-winning wines, and a feast of delicious South African fare were enjoyed by the entire team and their partners, celebrating the imminent 2020 harvest. Thank you to Vicki Tollman and her family for their generosity and here's to an outstanding 2020 vintage!
Sauvignon Blanc 2019
A focused and sophisticated wine with detailed layers of passionfruit, fig, grapefruit and a touch of lemon curd, delivered by a juicy, unassertive acidity and complimented by a noteworthy Hemel-en-Aarde salinity. Serve chilled and enjoy as the wine unfolds in your glass. Delicious with Springbok and chakalaka curry bread, Waldorf salad, grilled fresh Yellowtail or whenever refreshment of the palate is needed.
Crocodiles Lair Chardonnay 2018
Harvest is invariably an exciting time awash with smells emanating from every corner of the winery, but few can rival the magical smell of fermenting Chardonnay in oak barrels. Sleek and refined, a most enjoyable spicy lemon drop aroma complexity announces white peach, nectarine and pear flavour delight.
A refreshing salinity graces a lasting finish. Aging potential is excellent. Serve with pan-fried May Porcini mushrooms on bruschetta, freshly boiled West Coast Rock Lobster tail dipped in lemon aioli or simply from your favourite Chardonnay glass in good company.
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