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.
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
Early bottling has helped capture the fermentation esters and early aromatics which have become a hallmark of Walker Bay Sauvignon Blanc. The nose is fragrant and the palate portrays rich tropical fruit tones of guava and lychee. The wine is crisp, creamy, and lingering with a harmonious finish.
Vintage conditions
Vintage 2018 commenced on 8th February. Fruit quality proved to be excellent and cropping levels were encouraging, in spite of drought conditions being the talk of the day. Fortunately the Hemel-en-Aarde region enjoys a distinctive micro-climate and was able to mitigate the conditions experienced elsewhere. The few rain showers experienced during the vintage added to the calibre of the vintage.
Vinification details
20% of the grapes harvested received 12 hours of skin contact to exaggerate the flavour components and boost the structure of the final wine. The balance received immediate crushing and full extraction of fresh, free run juice off the press. This contributes the floral and tropical tones for which Walker Bay Sauvignon Blanc is known. Once fermentation is complete the wine was allowed to remain on its primary lees until close to bottling.
