Bouchard Finlayson releases Hannibal 2012
Wednesday, 4 December, 2013
Bouchard Finlayson
Bouchard Finlayson is about to release its Hannibal 2012, following a highly successful year for the unique red blend: the 2009 vintage won Gold at the 2013 Decanter World Wine Awards in London, while the 2011 vintage recently received five stars, the highest honour, in the ‘Red Blends’ category in the Platter’s South African Wine Guide 2014.
Its predecessor, the 2010 vintage, previously received five stars in the Platter’s 2012 Guide.
Bouchard Finlayson is about to release its Hannibal 2012, following a highly successful year for the unique red blend: the 2009 vintage won Gold at the 2013 Decanter World Wine Awards in London, while the 2011 vintage recently received five stars, the highest honour, in the ‘Red Blends’ category in the Platter’s South African Wine Guide 2014. Its predecessor, the 2010 vintage, previously received five stars in the Platter’s 2012 Guide.
Hannibal stands alone by its design and presentation as an individualistic blend of classic Italian and French varieties. The name portrays the link between France and Italy, with Hannibal the conqueror’s symbolism of the elephants crossing the Alps. The birth of Hannibal extends back in time to Bouchard Finlayson’s importation of the first Sangiovese and Nebbiolo plant material into South Africa in 1989. These imports experienced twelve years in the development process, from cuttings and expansion of plant material, to the final realisation of the first bottled wine which was released in December 2001.
Hannibal is recognised and respected around the world for its commanding taste profile, described by winemaker Peter Finlayson as ‘a symphony of flavours. It shows both power and finesse, giving way to gentle flavours of black cherry, spice and strawberry. Very approachable at an early age, it will mature handsomely over many years ahead!’ Finlayson further explains that the 2012 vintage is ‘both bold and complex with notable back-palate structure, while its collection of different varieties presents a harmonious flavour balance. The colour is marvellously crimson and bright.’ The composition represents 39% Sangiovese while the Pinot noir portion accounts for 35%. The remaining grapes are a mix of cultivars consisting of 10% Nebbiolo, 9% Shiraz, 4% Barbera and 3% Mouvedre.
Hannibal fans shouldn’t wait too long before snapping up the new release, as it proves to be a Bouchard Finlayson bestseller – the 2011 vintage is already sold out. Hannibal 2012 is available from the vineyard Cellar Door at R209 per bottle, and can also be purchased at select wine shops.
ABOUT BOUCHARD FINLAYSON
Established in 1989 in the temperate Hemel-en-Aarde Valley on 125 hectares (312 acres) of Walker Bay's prime viticultural land, Bouchard Finlayson Vineyard and Winery is a small cellar dedicated to the quality production of Pinot noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon blanc. Ever since releasing their first vintages, the name Bouchard Finlayson has been internationally synonymous with excellence. Today, owned by the Red Carnation Hotels’ Tollman family and under the leadership of Victoria Tollman and winemaker Peter Finlayson, 22 hectares (54 acres) of the estate are currently under vine with 50% devoted to the varietal for which Peter is most acclaimed – Pinot noir. Other cultivars under production include Chardonnay, Sauvignon blanc and Sangiovese, as well as a handful under exploration. Bouchard Finlayson is an accredited Championship member of the Biodiversity and Wine initiative (BWI).
Situated on the R320 near Hermanus, Bouchard Finlayson vineyard and winery is open for tastings and sales Monday to Friday from 09h00 to 17h00 and on Saturdays from 10h00 to 13h00. For further information, call +27 28 312 3515; email info@bouchardfinlayson.co.za; or visit www.bouchardfinlayson.co.za.