#WineRoutingWithLloyd went out to the Hemel en Aarde Valley, to visit Bouchard Finlayson. And oh boy was it definitely worth it. It's probably one of my personal favourite wine producing areas in the country. There really is just something about the valley that is magical & it truly shows in the wine.
If you are slightly familiar with wine, then the names - Bouchard & Finlayson already give you an indication that there is a long of rich wine heritage on this estate.
So it's no lie that Pinot Noir is my all time favourite red varietal & Chardonnay is my favourite white varietal. If you know a bit more about wine, then you'll know that this cool wine producing area, produces some of the best Pinot Noir & Chardonnay that you'll find in the country. So it's natural for that to be the main focus on the estate.
With 3 different Pinot Noir's to try we jumped right in.
Pinot Noir is a very delicate, yet rich grape which really helps it express the soil that it is nurtured in.
- Walker Bay Pinot Noir
Slighltly more floral on the nose than expected at first, with hints of ripe dark fruits adding a bit of complexity to your glass. A mixture of strawberries & plums & a tad bit of spice.
- Galpin Peak Pinot Noir
With a somewhat perfumed dark cherry & hints of strong freshly pressed coffee, adding to the slight 'smokiness' of the wine.
- Tête de Cuvée Pinot Noir
A selection of the top Pinot Noir barrels, gives the winemaker the opportunity to showcase the very best of the terror & winemaking skills. A beautifully smooth wine, with a nose of ripe blueberries & subtle spices. It's incredible to see how this wine develops on your palate moving over your taste buds. Definitely a wine that you would want to age.
And 3 Chardonnay's to sample.
- Sans Barrique Chardonnay
A mixture of ripe fruits - yellow apples, gooseberries & a touch of guava. The complexity develops on your palate with these flavours developing even further.
- Kaaimansgat: Crocodile's Lair Chardonnay
A beautiful expression of an Oaked Chardonnay giving you hints of fresh & fleshy white peaches. A smooth finish makes me want to keep this wine for a while to see how it will age.
- Missionvale Chardonnay
A real big & bold Chardonnay. Creamy white pears & peaches & a lingering after taste that will have you savouring every sip. Definitely more complex & structured, thanks to that Oak barrel fermentation.
The estate lies in the lower end of the valley, a mere 20 minute drive from Hermanus. So if you are in the area, I would highly suggest that you make your way in that direction at some point when you are in the area.
If you are slightly familiar with wine, then the names - Bouchard & Finlayson already give you an indication that there is a long of rich wine heritage on this estate.
So it's no lie that Pinot Noir is my all time favourite red varietal & Chardonnay is my favourite white varietal. If you know a bit more about wine, then you'll know that this cool wine producing area, produces some of the best Pinot Noir & Chardonnay that you'll find in the country. So it's natural for that to be the main focus on the estate.
With 3 different Pinot Noir's to try we jumped right in.
Pinot Noir is a very delicate, yet rich grape which really helps it express the soil that it is nurtured in.
- Walker Bay Pinot Noir
Slighltly more floral on the nose than expected at first, with hints of ripe dark fruits adding a bit of complexity to your glass. A mixture of strawberries & plums & a tad bit of spice.
- Galpin Peak Pinot Noir
With a somewhat perfumed dark cherry & hints of strong freshly pressed coffee, adding to the slight 'smokiness' of the wine.
- Tête de Cuvée Pinot Noir
A selection of the top Pinot Noir barrels, gives the winemaker the opportunity to showcase the very best of the terror & winemaking skills. A beautifully smooth wine, with a nose of ripe blueberries & subtle spices. It's incredible to see how this wine develops on your palate moving over your taste buds. Definitely a wine that you would want to age.
And 3 Chardonnay's to sample.
- Sans Barrique Chardonnay
A mixture of ripe fruits - yellow apples, gooseberries & a touch of guava. The complexity develops on your palate with these flavours developing even further.
- Kaaimansgat: Crocodile's Lair Chardonnay
A beautiful expression of an Oaked Chardonnay giving you hints of fresh & fleshy white peaches. A smooth finish makes me want to keep this wine for a while to see how it will age.
- Missionvale Chardonnay
A real big & bold Chardonnay. Creamy white pears & peaches & a lingering after taste that will have you savouring every sip. Definitely more complex & structured, thanks to that Oak barrel fermentation.
The estate lies in the lower end of the valley, a mere 20 minute drive from Hermanus. So if you are in the area, I would highly suggest that you make your way in that direction at some point when you are in the area.
#WineRoutingWithLloyd - Driven by the #KiaSportage
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