Technical Analysis
The Hemel-en-Aarde Valley enjoys the unique combination of soil and climate that provides the exact balance for the perfect expression of Pinot Noir.
Tasting note
Vivid red cherry and raspberry fruit join hints of dried oreganum and cardamom in a deft, lightly oaked frame. A balanced savoury weight and textured rooibos tannin assure the development of further complexity. Lithe yet powerfully build. The smooth, creamy centre is tightly wrapped by saline acidity, driving an energetic and pure lifted finish.
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
Blended after 11 months maturation in French oak, 29% of which were new. Bottled following 4 months elevage, in June 2024.
AWARDS
Tim Atkin MW: 92 pts
Technical Analysis
The Hemel-en-Aarde Valley enjoys the unique combination of soil and climate that provides the exact balance for the perfect expression of Pinot Noir.
Tasting note
An open and expressive vintage, the wine delivers arresting fragrances of floral and exotic spice aromas. The opulent and rich core underlay vibrant dried cranberry, black cherry and a burst of plum flavours. Umami detail reappear throughout. Well structured, but smooth as silk, displaying freshness and energy for an excellent balance.
Vintage conditions
Cold and exceedingly wet conditions occurred during flowering and berry set late in 2021, pushing the onset of the harvest season ever later. 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 was expressed.
Vinification details
A 9th estate vineyard was the first newcomer in almost a decade, adding a touch of youthful vibrance. Indigenous yeast populations, accompanying the grapes from the vineyards, now account for 34% of primary fermentation. Sharp focus is placed on the separation of pressing fractions, which are matured apart and mostly not included in the final cuvee. Blended after 11months maturation in French oak, 28% of which were new. Bottled following 4 months elevage, in May 2023.
AWARDS
IWC & DWWA: Silver 90 pts
Tim Atkin MW: 94 pts
Platter: 90 pts
IWSC: Silver 91 pts
Technical Analysis
The Hemel-en-Aarde Valley enjoys the unique combination of soil and climate that provides the exact balance for the perfect expression of Pinot Noir.
Tasting note
Fragrant and seductive red cherry perfume underpins an iron-rich mineral edge. Gently extracted fine tannins enrobe a delicate, yet vibrant structure. It is elegant and accessible, with refined oak and a layered, rewarding finish.
Vintage conditions
It’s been remarked before how the weather, during recent odd vintages, seems to behave to the benefit of local vintners. 2021 followed this pattern of 2019, 2017 and 2015. Yields varied significantly between cultivars and apart from a big rain event on 14 March, dry and cool conditions prevailed during picking. Phenolic ripeness outperformed sugar accumulation in the berries, resulting in juices with low potential alcohol and balanced natural acidities.
Vinification details
Eight Estate vineyards, ranging in age from ten to thirty years, contribute to this expression of Pinot Noir. Various clonal material also plays a role, but the classic Dijon 113, 115, 667 and 777 are predominant. Each vineyard plot is vinified separately, with emphasis placed on accentuating its distinctive characteristics. Blended after 11 months maturation in French oak, 30% of which were new and bottled, following 4 months elevage, in May 2022.
AWARDS
James Suckling: 94 pts
Tim Atkin MW: 92 pts
Platter: 92 pts
Technical Analysis
The Hemel-en-Aarde Valley enjoys the unique combination of soil and climate that provides the exact balance for the perfect expression of Pinot Noir.
Tasting note
A wine of substance – generously structured for the long haul. Immediately expressive succulent plum, clove and nutmeg. Well defined and concentrated black olive tapenade and cranberry tart flavours, all elegantly packaged around an ever-present kelp-like tannin. Velvety smooth finish.
Vintage conditions
Spring 2019 saw ideal weather conditions during flower and fruit set, heightening expectations for the upcoming 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
The use of whole grape bunches or clusters during fermentation, is a much discussed subject, as it plays a significant role in the general feel, as well as the aromatic composition of the eventual wine. Apart from the intended style, fruit ripeness and health determine the amount included, where 20% of this vintage was not destemmed. Following an average of 21 days on skin, the wines were delicately pressed and barrelled down to French oak for 11months maturation. Bottled in June 2021.
AWARDS
Tim Atkin MW: 92 pts
Wine Spectator: 91 pts
Platter: 92 pts
Technical Analysis
The Hemel-en-Aarde Valley enjoys the unique combination of soil and climate that provides the exact balance for the perfect expression of Pinot Noir.
Tasting note
Another classic example of a typical Bouchard Finlayson Galpin Peak offering. Firm and resonating with anticipation, its flavour profile is slowly unfolding where a little patience will offer a generous palate of fruits of the forest flavours and development of complex cherry and dark berry tones. Polished and lingering, it will benefit from ageing.
Vintage conditions
Vintage 2019 will long be remembered for the raging wild fire that swept across the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley on 11th 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. The reduced yield was the result of milder than normal winter temperatures. Weather conditions remained cool and relatively dry throughout February and March.
Vinification details
Vinification followed a tried and tested process of offering a three day cold soak before allowing fermentation to set in, lasting seven days. Thereafter, a patient lockdown, and in-tank process of a further seven days, allowed for the cap to enjoy an extended soak. Gentle pressing ensured the first portion of wine remained separated from the press fraction. This offered the opportunity to balance the tannin complement at a later stage. While all of this vintage enjoyed ten months in French oak barrels, a thirty percent portion received new oak.
Tasting video
With Peter Finlayson.
Technical Analysis
The Hemel-en-Aarde Valley enjoys the unique combination of soil and climate that provides the exact balance for the perfect expression of Pinot Noir.
Tasting note
Intriguing perfumed dark cherry and wild berry, with espresso-infused cinnamon spice adding to the appeal. Deftly balanced, it portrays elegance, but the tannins form neatly on a lengthy finish.
Vintage conditions
With dry summer conditions of the past few years persisting, picking commenced on the first day of February and continued intermittently for the following two weeks – an unusually long picking window. Fruit quality proved to be excellent and cropping levels were encouraging. Fortunately Bouchard Finlayson’s Hemel-en-Aarde region is blessed with a distinctive micro-climate which defied the predictors of poor expectations. The few rain showers received during the vintage was a positive experience and added to the calibre of the vintage.
Vinification details
Grapes were picked by hand and cooled overnight before being destemmed. Following fermentation by certified organic yeasts, each parcel was pressed individually and transferred to French oak barrels. After eleven months’ maturation, the final blend was assembled in tank and bottled following four months of natural clarification.
AWARDS
IWC: Silver
Tasting video
With Peter Finlayson.
