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Hannibal, Bouchard Finlayson

Bouchard Finlayson
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Technical Analysis
Alcohol
14.0
Residual sugar
1.6
pH
3.46
Acidity
5.8
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Bouchard Finlayson's Hannibal blend was originally prompted by the classic taste and palate of Italian varieties: Sangiovese and Nebbiolo.
Tasting note

A thought-provokingly unique blend of 41% Sangiovese, 26% Nebbiolo, 10% Barbera, 9% Shiraz, 8% Pinot Noir and 6% Mourvedre. Dried violet, iron-oxide and earthy forest growth accent a firm and well defined tannin. Focussed and meaty textures leaves a lasting impression of effortless weight. Reserved, yet boasting fine intensity and exciting length length,

Origin
South Africa
Variety
Red Blend
Malolactic Fermentation
Yes
Bottle Size
75cl
Vegetarian
Yes
Winemaker
Chris Albrecht
Closure
Cork
Region
Hemel-en-Aarde Valley
Vegan
Yes

Vintage conditions

Spring 2019 saw ideal weather conditions during flower and fruit set, heightening expectations for the up coming vintage. However, hopes were soon challenged by the atypical and unstable weather presented early in the New Year. Fortunately, dry conditions set in as soon as harvest commenced, with the crop remaining healthy. Volumes recovered slightly from the light 2019 vintage and all-round, unexpectedly positive, fruit-quality was delivered to the cellar.

Vinification details

Celebrating the 20th edition, marks a significant milestone for this eccentric blend, as the numbers of loyal followers continue to grow. Hand harvesting of naturally low yielding, mature vineyards extend over six weeks. Following alcoholic fermentation in tank, individual components are barrelled down for a lengthy, secondary malo-lactic fermentation; with Sangiovese taking up to nine months to complete. The final blend was assembled after a year of small barrel maturation (17% new) and bottled in July 2021.

Technical Analysis
Alcohol
14.3
Residual sugar
2.4
pH
3.52
Acidity
5.7
Download Specification Sheet Download Full Size Images
Bouchard Finlayson's Hannibal blend was originally prompted by the classic taste and palate of Italian varieties: Sangiovese and Nebbiolo.
Tasting note

A thought-provokingly unique blend. 47% Sangiovese; 15% Nebbiolo; 14% Pinot Noir; 11% Shiraz;
7% Mourvedre; 6% Barbera. Aromatic leather, cured meat and violet notes frame flavours of red cherry, liquorice and rooibos tea. Surprisingly taut and fine-grained, it displays polish and intense complexity. Hints of tobacco on the finish, while fresh acidity keeps the balance. Tension and focussed depth

Origin
South Africa
Variety
Red Blend
Malolactic Fermentation
Yes
Bottle Size
75cl
Vegetarian
Yes
Winemaker
Chris Albrecht
Closure
Cork
Vegan
Yes

Vintage conditions

Vintage 2019 will long be remembered for the raging wildfire that swept across the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley on the 11 January – less than three weeks before the first grapes were picked. Bouchard vineyards were fortunate not to be severely impacted and brought in a healthy, although slightly lighter crop. The reduced yield being the result of milder than normal winter temperatures. Weather conditions remained cool and relatively dry throughout February and March.

Vinification details

Picked bunches are chilled overnight, followed by a rigorous sorting process – integral for a pure fruit expression. Extraction is achieved through both pumping over of the fermenting must, and punching down of the cap. After spending a minimum of two weeks on skins, each batch was pressed and transferred to French oak, 17% of which were new. Following nearly a year in barrel, a final blend was reached via numerous representative tasting samples. This blend was transferred to tank for a three month resting period and bottled in August 2020.

 

AWARDS

Tim Atkin MW: 93 pts
IWC & IWSC: Silver
Wine Spectator: 90 pts

Technical Analysis
Alcohol
14.0
Residual sugar
2.4
pH
3.50
Acidity
5.6
Download Specification Sheet Download Full Size Images
Bouchard Finlayson's Hannibal blend was originally prompted by the classic taste and palate of Italian varieties: Sangiovese and Nebbiolo.
Tasting note

Supple dried cherry, blackberry and savoury meat burst underpinned by a tobacco and green olive core. An appealing mid-palate grip is counter-balanced by refreshing acidity – hinting that patience will be greatly rewarded. Complex and long. A blend of 42% Sangiovese, 17% Nebbiolo, 15% Pinot Noir, 12% Shiraz, 7% Mourvèdre and 7% Barbera.

Origin
South Africa
Variety
Red Blend
Malolactic Fermentation
Yes
Bottle Size
75cl
Vegetarian
Yes
Winemaker
Chris Albrecht
Closure
Cork
Region
Hemel-en-Aarde Valley
Vegan
Yes

Vintage conditions

Historically, the Shiraz grapes utilised in this blend were sourced from a neighbouring grower –therefore still Hemel-en-Aarde Valley in origin, but not an Estate wine. Bouchard Finlayson’s own Shiraz vineyard, planted in 2015, produced a stunning crop in 2018 and is happily included in this wine. Healthy ripening was brought on by moderately warm days and mostly dry conditions. The few intermittent rain showers, not uncommon in February, were welcomed in assisting the vineyards over the finish line.

Vinification details

Once each vineyard is picked, cooled, sorted and transferred to various fermentation vessels, fermentation is activated by the addition of a yeast culture. In this case, originating from an organic Stellenbosch vineyard, offering expression and individuality to each parcel. After spending a minimum of two weeks on skins, each batch was pressed and transferred to French oak, 24% of which were new. Following nearly a year in barrel, a final blend was reached via numerous representative tasting samples. This blend was transferred to tank and bottled following a two month resting period.

 

AWARDS

Tim Atkin MW: 94 pts
IWC: Silver

Tasting video

With Peter Finlayson.

Technical Analysis
Alcohol
14.0
Residual sugar
2.5
pH
3.54
Acidity
5.9
Download Specification Sheet Download Full Size Images
Bouchard Finlayson's Hannibal blend was originally prompted by the classic taste and palate of Italian varieties: Sangiovese and Nebbiolo.
Tasting note

A classic Hannibal vintage, sporting cherry and plum compote aromas, a saline edge and clean leather adding depth of flavour. The entry is subtle, offering rounded yet notable tannins, building towards the finish and interspersed with bright freshness. A blend of 39% Sangiovese, 18% Pinot Noir, 18% Shiraz, 15% Nebbiolo, 5% Mourvédre and 5% Barbera.

Origin
South Africa
Variety
Red Blend
Malolactic Fermentation
Yes
Bottle Size
75cl
Vegetarian
Yes
Winemaker
Chris Albrecht
Closure
Cork
Region
Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, Walker Bay
Vegan
Yes

Vintage conditions

This vintage saw two Italians assist with harvest on their internship, which Bouchard Finlayson believe particularly benefited the Hannibal. As with the early ripening varietals, an abundant crop set, requiring strict discipline in removing late developing bunches, leaving a balanced and prospectively superb crop. Apart from the rejuvenating 2 inches of rain that fell a week prior to the first picking date, cool and dry conditions prevailed throughout harvest, allowing for a healthy and leisurely ripening.

Vinification details

Each batch of grapes was crushed and fermented separately, with some components macerating up to 20 days on skins. After fermentation the young wines were transferred to traditional French oak barrels where secondary fermentation was completed.

 

Tasting video

With Peter Finlayson.

Technical Analysis
Alcohol
13.6
Residual sugar
1.9
pH
3.48
Acidity
5.7
Download Specification Sheet Download Full Size Images
Bouchard Finlayson's Hannibal blend was originally prompted by the classic taste and palate of Italian varieties: Sangiovese and Nebbiolo.
Tasting note

This vintage is fresh and alive with a characteristic Italian mouthfeel reflecting fruity complexity. Olive and redcurrant flavours combine with cranberry to result in a lingering finish and complex mouthfeel.

Origin
South Africa
Variety
Red Blend
Malolactic Fermentation
Yes
Bottle Size
75cl
Vegetarian
Yes
Closure
Cork
Region
Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, Walker Bay
Vegan
Yes

Vintage conditions

Apart from the Pinot noir, the balance of the varieties in this blend were harvested towards the end of the vintage at Bouchard Finlayson. By this time, which was the middle of March, conditions were dry and ripening became delayed. Overall conditions were very good and patience was required before committing to harvest.

Vinification details

Harvesting into single layer boxes ensured that grapes arrived at the cellar in prime condition. Each batch of grapes was crushed and fermented separately with long, slow ferments encouraged. After fermentation the young wines were transferred to traditional French oak barrels for 12 months where secondary fermentation took place.

 

AWARDS

JamesSuckling.com: 94 pts
Tim Atkin MW: 91 pts
IWSC 2018: Silver
IWC 2018: Silver

Technical Analysis
Alcohol
14.1
Residual sugar
2.4
pH
3.55
Acidity
6.1
Download Specification Sheet Download Full Size Images
Bouchard Finlayson's Hannibal blend was originally prompted by the classic taste and palate of Italian varieties: Sangiovese and Nebbiolo.
Tasting note

Bright fruit with firm acidity provide a taut wine with more than adequate tannin structure. Flavours are rich black plum with strawberry undertones followed by subtle hints of French oak barrel maturation. A blend of 46% Sangiovese, 18% Pinot Noir, 16% Nebbiolo, 11% Shiraz, 5% Barbera and 4% Mourvèdre.

Origin
South Africa
Variety
Red Blend
Malolactic Fermentation
Yes
Bottle Size
75cl
Vegetarian
Blank
Winemaker
Peter Finlayson
Closure
Cork
Region
Walker Bay
Vegan
Blank

Vintage conditions

2015 was an early vintage with an exemplary personality. The crop was rewarding with superb fruit all adding handsomely to the promise of a stunning wine!

Vinification details

Grapes were harvested in individual parcels, depending on site and variety, before being crushed and destemmed to soak and ferment for up to two weeks. Each variety enjoyed separate barrel maturation for up to 16 months prior to extraction from barrels for final blending before bottling.

 

AWARDS

Tim Atkin MW: 92 pts
JamesSuckling.com: 92 pts

Technical Analysis
Alcohol
14.0
Residual sugar
1.7
pH
3.52
Acidity
6.0
Download Specification Sheet Download Full Size Images
Bouchard Finlayson's Hannibal blend was originally prompted by the classic taste and palate of Italian varieties: Sangiovese and Nebbiolo.
Tasting note

Surprisingly accessible and arguably the earliest drinking version of Hannibal to date. Medium bodied, spicy tones overlay a gentle silky, 'leather feel' back palate, which is emphasised by olive, black cherry and cranberry laced flavours. A blend of 33% Sangiovese, 22% Pinot Noir, 18% Shiraz, 17% Nebbiolo, 6% Mourvèdre, 4% Barbera.

Origin
South Africa
Variety
Red Blend
Malolactic Fermentation
Yes
Bottle Size
75cl
Vegetarian
Blank
Winemaker
Peter Finlayson
Closure
Cork
Region
Walker Bay
Vegan
Blank

Vintage conditions

The rainfall from October 2013 to March 2014 amounted to 610 mm, usually the quantity of rain expected annually. In spite of this difficulty the end result has been impressive and once again harvesting was late but fruit was of a good quality.

Vinification details

The careful collection and sorting of the fruit was required and the Sangiovese crop was small. Components were fermented separately in stainless steel tanks and then transferred to barrel where secondary malolactic fermentation took place in French oak barrels. The various varieties matured for a total of 13 months with a 16% new wood complement before being blended and bottled.

 

AWARDS

IWSC 2016: Silver
Tim Atkin MW: 92 pts
eRobertParker.com: 91 pts