Bouchard Finlayson, Tete de Cuvee 2021

Bouchard Finlayson, a boutique winery nestled in South Africa’s Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, is celebrated for its exceptional cool-climate wines. The Tête de Cuvée Pinot Noir 2021 represents the pinnacle of their Pinot Noir production, crafted only in exceptional vintages. This limited-edition wine is a meticulous selection of the finest barrels, showcasing the unique terroir of the region.

The 2021 vintage was marked by favourable conditions, with dry and cool weather prevailing during the harvest period. A significant rain event in mid-March was followed by ideal picking conditions, allowing phenolic ripeness to outpace sugar accumulation. This resulted in wines with balanced natural acidity and moderate alcohol levels. The majority of grapes for this cuvée were sourced from the estate’s oldest vines, averaging over 22 years in age. After careful barrel selection, the wine was matured in French oak, with 50% new barrels, and bottled in July 2022.

Appearance: Medium-deep garnet hue, reflecting its depth and concentration. The wine’s clarity and brilliance in the glass suggest meticulous winemaking practices. Swirling reveals slow-forming legs, indicative of its balanced structure and refined tannin profile. A faint ruby shimmer at the rim highlights its youth and ageing potential.

Aroma: Aromatically abundant, featuring black cherry, rose, and strawberry notes. Delicate hints of cinnamon and sandalwood add complexity, while beautifully integrated oak spice contributes subtle layers of clove, nutmeg, and cedar. Earthy undertones and a whisper of forest floor lend additional depth to the bouquet.

Taste: The palate is powerful and opulent, with generous flavours of black cherry, blueberry, and wild raspberry. A fine line of powdered tannin provides structure, while hints of game, violet, and subtle cinnamon emerge mid-palate. The texture is velvety yet refined, with the interplay between fruit and savoury elements creating a seamless balance. A delicate mineral note runs through the core, adding precision and freshness.

Finish: Regal and elegant, the wine builds to a lasting and complex finish. The harmonious integration of fruit, spice, and oak leaves a memorable impression, with a persistent aftertaste of dark berry compote, graphite, and a hint of black tea. A touch of floral lift lingers, enhancing the wine’s refinement and ensuring a graceful evolution in the bottle.

Food Pairing: This distinguished Pinot Noir pairs beautifully with special moments in life—anniversaries, birthdays, and family gatherings. It complements fragrant crab or shellfish risotto, where the wine’s acidity balances the richness of the dish. Succulent, crispy fried duck breast or a classic Thanksgiving turkey with cranberry sauce also harmonise well, enhancing the wine’s complex flavour profile. Wild mushroom risotto and aged cheeses such as Brie or Époisses further highlight the wine’s depth and elegance.

The Bouchard Finlayson Tête de Cuvée Pinot Noir 2021 exemplifies the harmonious interplay between meticulous viticulture and the distinctive cool-climate terroir of the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, offering a refined and memorable tasting experience