Bouchard Finlayson`s Galpin Peak Pinot Noir 2015 Scores 5-Star Platter

Bouchard Finlayson’s Galpin Peak Pinot Noir 2015 has scored a 5-star rating from Platter’s by Diners Club South African Wine Guide. Debuting in 1980, Platter’s is South Africa’s first and still leading wine annual with information on over 8000 locally produced wines. The 2015 Galpin Peak was one of only four Pinot noirs to receive the coveted 5-star rating this year. Earlier this year the same vintage received international recognition when it won a gold medal and a regional trophy in the 2017 International Wine Challenge in the UK.

Under the leadership of Peter Finlayson, the founder and cellar master of Bouchard Finlayson, the estate has been a pioneer in the production of Pinot noir in the South African market over the past 27 years (since 1991). Winemaker Chris Albrecht, who has celebrated seven vintages at Bouchard Finlayson, says the cultivar is quite unique as it depicts little varietal character of its own, rather expressing the terroir upon which it is grown. ‘Pinot noir carries the crown of being the most terroir-expressive of all grape varieties. We are fortunate in that 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’, he said.

2015 was cited by Peter Finlayson as a vintage of ‘pure luxury’, with perfect weather conditions resulting in excellent winemaking potential from this super crop. Bouchard Finlayson’s Galpin Peak 2015 vintage is medium dark with black-red colour. The wine reveals an explosive nose of red fruits and infused cherry, whilst the palate projects cranberry and plum with smoky strawberry high tones. A great vintage with trophy winning quality, this wine is bright with a good grip and velvety mouthfeel, complete with considerable ageing potential. (Available from the cellar door at R329 per bottle)