Bouchard Finlayson, Walker Bay, South Africa

Set up as a joint venture in 1989 by Peter Finlayson, who had previously been the wine-maker next door at Hamilton Russell, this small 19 hectare vineyard has in mind one thing only - excellence. Cooled by the sea breezes blowing up from Hermanus, the vines produce wine of great delicacy and illustrate the skill of the wine-maker. Peter's passion lies in pinot noir, chardonnay and sauvignon blanc to the highest standard possible. As with most of the top end producers in South Africa, his benchmark is in France and particulalry Burgundy.
 
The high density planting of 9,000 vines per hectare is as high as anywhere in South Africa and allows for a great degree in fruit selection and raises the quality of the fruit reaching the winery. The property's flagship wine, Galpin Peak Pinot Noir, has won many awards over the years and provides an exciting comparison in any tasting alongside many village red Burgundies. Their Hannibal wine, so named as it 'crosses the Alps' by using grapes native to both Italy and France,is blended from Sangiovese and Nebbiolo, as well as Pinot Noir and Syrah. The result is a rich, dark, structured wine of great uniqueness.
 

Wine to Watch: Galpin Peak Pinot Noir 2007 £20.50 per bottle

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