Bouchard Finlayson has released the 2016 vintage of its flagship Galpin Peak Pinot Noir. Tasting notes describe first impressions of the wine as having ‘an earthiness on the nose, followed by excellent colour and bold palate complexity. Dark red fruit with a savoury mixture of cherries, plums and cinnamon drift into an extended palate feel, whilst 11 months in French oak barrels will allow for an extended maturation.’

Pinot Noir is unique as it displays both a delicacy and richness, but it is often quoted as depicting little varietal character of its own – rather expressing the terroir upon which it is grown. Hence, it carries the crown of being the most terroir-expressive of all grape varieties. The Hemel-en-Aarde Valley represents that unique combination of soil and climate that exists in only a handful of places where the exact balance provides the perfect expression of this elusive grape.

Peter Finlayson, the founder of Bouchard Finlayson says not every vintage presents the chosen balance of grapes and 2016 turned out to be a vintage where decision making became all important. ‘Much of the harvest presented itself with too much crop which meant for serious selection and resulted in only the best ferments being considered for bottling consideration.’

With plenty of grapes to work with, the 2016 vintage allowed for an opportunity to explore fresh ideas in terms of different fermentation prospects.  Some ferments contained greater amounts of whole bunch contribution with the net result that this tactic has arrived at a very expressive wine with great middle palate structure and notable maturation potential to boot.

Finlayson concluded by saying that Pinot noir always expresses itself best with good food. ‘Avoid any sweetness or too much spice. Enjoy with Emmental cheese, salmon, duck or beef – in fact, this wine is not shy to stand up handsomely against most dishes!’

The 2016 vintage follows in the footsteps of the 2015 Bouchard Finlayson Galpin Peak Pinot Noir, which was one of only four Pinot noirs to score a 5-star Platter’s rating last year. The wine also received global acclaim when it won a gold medal and a regional trophy in the 2017 International Wine Challenge in the UK.

Bouchard Finlayson Galpin Peak Pinot Noir 2016 sells at R355 per bottle at the cellar door.