Bouchard Finlayson Claims Gold at Pinot Noir Masters Awards

Lauded European drinks trade publication The Drinks Business has announced the results of its prestigious Global Pinot Noir Masters Awards, recognizing the finest Pinot noirs in the world. In last year’s competition, Bouchard Finlayson’s Galpin Peak Pinot Noir 2013 scored Gold, followed this year by flagship red, the 2013 Tête de Cuvée Galpin Peak Pinot Noir also taking Gold, at 94 points.

The Global Masters are judged blind by the finest palates in the world – a panel of Masters of Wine, Master Sommeliers and senior buyers, of a top calibre that guarantees international recognition of the medals awarded. This year’s judges were Jonathan Pedley MW; Michael Palij MW; Richard Bampfield MW; Clive Barlow MW; Matthew Forster MW; Patrick Schmitt MW; Will Heslop; Jose Gonzalez Godoy; Michelle Cherruti Kowal MW; and Patricia Stefanowicz MW.

Bouchard Finlayson founder and cellar master Peter Finlayson and winemaker Chris Albrecht are said to be delighted with the latest international accolade, proving that that the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley where Bouchard Finlayson is situated, is now internationally established as a micro-location for the production of the finest quality Pinot noir.

A Tête de Cuvée wine is not presented at every vintage. The emphasis here is placed on attaching the best Pinot noir ferments to best new wood with the intention of sculpting a top quality, collectors’ wine. This bottling is regarded as the most promising wine from the cellar and is intended to carry the Bouchard Finlayson flag.  These particular grapes stem from the oldest vines on the property where the vineyard has been intentionally planted to a high density model.    Barrel maturation enjoys a full 16 months where the winemaker eventually chooses from individual barrels to compile the chosen components.

2013 Galpin Peak Tête de Cuvée Galpin Peak Pinot Noir (cellar door price R892)

A ‘fruits of the forest wine’ with a deep colour and a firm and bold body, it is complex and demands aging to develop its core of complexity. Delicious raspberry, quince and blackberry flavours add to the nutty tones offered by the generous compliment of new wood. The finish is tannin rich but harmonious at the same time.

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, founder Peter Finlayson and winemaker Chris Albrecht, 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 a World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Conservation Champion.

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 [email protected]; or visit www.bouchardfinlayson.co.za.