Technical Analysis
Bouchard Finlayson's geographic location, lying within five kilometres of the cool Atlantic Ocean, offers the most ideal climate of the Cape for Sauvignon Blanc.
Tasting note
Layers of fresh pear, grapefruit and orange blossom unfurl as glimpses of
lemongrass and sage complexities appear. The palate shows a dominant wet stone salinity that carries a persistent and composed finish. Well balanced and sufficiently structured, the wine remains bright and refreshing. Serve chilled and enjoy as the wine unfolds in your glass (86% Sauvignon, 14% Semillon)
Vintage conditions
In stark contrast to the previous vintage, this growing season was defined by near-perfect climatological conditions. A cool and sufficiently wet winter preceded a long and dry growing season with the fortuitous lack of major weather events. Ripening of the even and balanced crop occurred during mild sunny days, interspersed by timely and moderate rain. Picking commenced on the 7 of February and concluded five weeks later.
Vinification details
Multiple picking dates stretch over a period of up to three weeks, allowing for the wine’s initial fresh acidity to balance with a rich fruit profile – induced by a later ripening component. A small portion of the grapes undergoes an overnight skin-contact period, in which the backbone for a full and concentrated mouthfeel starts to form. Handpicked fruit arrives at the cellar before the heat of the afternoon and is gently crushed, destemmed and pressed. Free-run portions are fermented long and cool, followed by a period of maturation on lees, before the first bottling run in May 2025.
Bouchard Finlayson Walker Bay Sauvignon Blanc
with Winemaker Christ Albrecht
Technical Analysis
Bouchard Finlayson's geographic location, lying within five kilometres of the cool Atlantic Ocean, offers the most ideal climate of the Cape for Sauvignon Blanc.
Tasting note
An explosive nose combines fig and gooseberry aromas alongside a hint of thyme. The fleshy texture and flavourful palate of green apple and sliced grapefruit is kept in balance by fine refreshing lines. Satisfying fruit weight and lemony concentration leads to a seamless finish. Serve chilled and enjoy as the wine unfolds in your glass (87% Sauvignon, 13% Semillon)
Vintage conditions
Good rainfall was received during winter, but unfortunately wet conditions continued into the growing season – the cumulative summer precipitation nearly equalling the annual average. On Heritage weekend of 24 September, historic maximum rainfall data was revised when a massive 196mm event caused devastating flooding and landslides across the region. Wet and windy conditions prevailed during flower, reducing yields on most cultivars. Fortunately, the inclement weather dissipated before the onset of harvest, allowing ripeness to progress unhindered on the small and concentrated crop. Picking started in the second week of February, but in a very congested fashion, as ripening of various cultivars converged towards the first week of March.
Vinification details
Hand-picked grapes are delivered to the winery without delay, where they are destemmed and crushed before being loaded into the presses. Once the berries are broken, the juice is protected from oxidation and the resulting loss of delicate flavour precursors, by blanketing under carbon dioxide. The initial 63% juice recovered is kept separate and only this ’free-run’ component is considered for the final blend. These juices contain less phenols and result in bright and crisp wines with pure fruit expression and an improved ability to age. Fermentation temperatures range from a cool 13 degrees centigrade to a balmy 20 degrees centigrade, allowing for the development of various aroma and flavour complexities. Bottled in June 2024.
Technical Analysis
Bouchard Finlayson's geographic location, lying within five kilometres of the cool Atlantic Ocean, offers the most ideal climate of the Cape for Sauvignon Blanc.
Tasting note
Aromatic and distinctive, boasting aromas of passionfruit, lemongrass and jasmine flower. A tangy apple and poached pear character balances with the supple structure of this wine. A touch of savoury salt marks the finish. Impressive for its focus and refreshing quality. (86% Sauvignon, 14% Semillon)
Vintage conditions
Moderate and mild winter weather was experienced, with average rainfall, which continued into spring and early summer. These conditions, ideal for slow and even ripening, was interrupted during the middle of December, with the arrival of some refreshing showers. January saw a continuation of dry and cool conditions, coinciding neatly with an earlier maturity of those cultivars that usually ripen first. During the third week of February, however, a massive 80mm downpour, had set the tone for the rest of the vintage. By the last day of picking, 240mm had fallen since harvest started. Rigorous selection of only ripe and healthy bunches, proved critical. Most vineyards cropped lower than the long-term average, mostly due to adverse flowering conditions.
Vinification details
Semillon, a traditional blending partner of Sauvignon blanc, fulfils vital roles in toning down racy edges and adds to ageing potential. This vintage sees the majority Semillon fermented in old oak, partially permitted to undergo malo-lactic fermentation, in order to build palate breadth and texture. A number of vineyards, mostly planted toSB11, SB316 and SB317 clones, contribute to this wine. Further aromatic complexity is gained by employing a range of yeast strains, each selected to complement a set of fermentation conditions. Bottled in June 2023.
Bouchard Finlayson's geographic location, lying within five kilometres of the cool Atlantic Ocean, offers the most ideal climate of the Cape for Sauvignon Blanc.
Tasting note
An enthralling nose of white peach, lime zest and granny smith apples complements a silky, coated mid-pallet that lingers in the mouth. The bright minerality typical of the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley elevates flavours of orange peel, pear and layers of fragrant jasmine. Balanced and integrated, this wine has a crisp core that speaks of a clean-cut complexity. Serve chilled and enjoy as the wine unfolds in your glass. (87% Sauvignon, 13% Semillon)
Vintage conditions
Cold and exceedingly wet conditions occurred during flowering and berry set late in 2021. The ripening season of January 2022 however, saw some of the hottest and driest conditions that have been recorded over the past seven years; the rainfall received for this period was atypically low. This allowed for a long, healthy ripening of a concentrated crop. Minimal disease pressure and dilution resulted in the production of fruit of an outstanding quality, in which full phenolic ripeness and refreshingly low natural sugar accumulation as expressed.
Vinification details
Varied picking dates stretch through a period of up to three weeks, allowing for the creation of a wine that is balanced by crisp acidity and a rich fruit profile-induced by a later ripening. A small portion of the grapes undergoes a skin-contact period, in which the backbone for a full and concentrated mouthfeel starts to form. Fruit arrives at the cellar before the heat of the afternoon and is gently crushed, destemmed and pressed. Free-run portions are fermented long and cool, followed by a lengthy lees maturation period in tank (sur-lie).
AWARDS
IWSC: Silver
Technical Analysis
Bouchard Finlayson's geographic location, lying within five kilometres of the cool Atlantic Ocean, offers the most ideal climate of the Cape for Sauvignon Blanc.
Tasting note
Now bottled under screwcap to capture fresh vibrancy and minimise bottle variation, the wine shows tangy apple, fig and pineapple fruit flavours. An approachable nature and silky texture, with wet stone elements adding to overall complexity. Serve chilled and enjoy as the wine unfolds in your glass. A blend of 88.5% Sauvignon Blanc, 11.5% Semillon.
Vinification details
Picking was done manually and restricted to the cooler morning hours. As soon as the grapes were delivered to the cellar, they were crushed, destemmed and lightly pressed. Following a long, cool fermentation, textural development was encouraged by a significant period of maturation on lees (sur lie).
Bouchard Finlayson's geographic location, lying within five kilometres of the cool Atlantic Ocean, offers the most ideal climate of the Cape for Sauvignon Blanc.
Tasting note
Excluding press fractions from this cuvée has increased its focus and sophistication. Detailed layers of fig, grapefruit, passionfruit and a touch of lemon curd, delivered by a juicy, unassertive acidity and complemented by a noteworthy Hemel-en-Aarde salinity. 86% Sauvignon Blanc, 14% Semillon.
Vintage conditions
Vintage 2019 will long be remembered for the raging wild fire that swept across the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley on the 11 January – less than three weeks before the first grapes were picked. Bouchard Finlayson were fortunate not to be majorly impacted and brought in a healthy, yet slightly lighter crop due to milder than normal winter temperatures. Weather conditions remained cool and relatively dry throughout February and March.
Vinification details
Grapes were picked over a three week period, taking full benefit of the Sauvignon Blanc ripening spectrum, and crushed as soon as they arrived from the vineyards. Following pressing and clarification through cold settling, the juice was fermented with a combination of yeast strains to further amplify the flavour diversity. The contribution made by Semillon was increased to 14%, which smooths out the edges and will positively influence the wine’s ability to age.
