Bouchard Finlayson Galpin Peak Pinot Noir 2022

Bouchard Finlayson is one of South Africa’s most respected wineries, renowned for producing wines that combine precision, elegance, and regional character. Founded in 1989 in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, the estate has a strong reputation for cool-climate varietals, particularly Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc. The Galpin Peak Pinot Noir 2022 showcases the winery’s commitment to crafting expressive, balanced, and age-worthy wines, with careful attention to vineyard selection and winemaking techniques.

The grapes for this wine come from high-altitude vineyards on steep, south-facing slopes, where the cool maritime influence slows ripening and enhances the development of aromatic complexity. The soils are a mix of decomposed granite and clay, providing excellent drainage and contributing to the wine’s structure and finesse. Fermentation is carried out in small open-top vats, with gentle extraction to preserve delicacy, followed by maturation in French oak barrels, partially new, for 12 months to add complexity without overwhelming the fruit.

Appearance Deep ruby with garnet hints along the rim. The wine is clear and vibrant, with medium to full body suggested by the wine’s depth of colour and slow-moving legs, indicating ripeness and structure.

Aroma The bouquet opens with ripe red fruits such as cherry, raspberry, and cranberry, layered with subtle floral notes of violet and rose petal. Hints of forest floor, clove, and vanilla emerge from oak maturation, adding complexity without masking the purity of the fruit.

Taste The palate is silky and precise, with flavours of red berries, pomegranate, and cherry compote, interwoven with earthy undertones and gentle spice. The tannins are fine-grained and supportive, giving structure and balance while allowing the fruit to shine. The mid-palate shows elegant layering, and the wine maintains freshness throughout.

Finish Long and expressive, with lingering notes of red fruits, soft spice, and a delicate mineral edge. The wine’s finesse and structure promise further development with careful cellaring.

Food Pairing Roasted duck breast with a cherry glaze complements the wine’s red fruit profile and balanced tannins, while a wild mushroom risotto enhances its earthy nuances and silky texture.