Bouchard Finlayson is a world-class a family-owned estate situated in Walker Bay very near the most southerly tip of Africa. The estate is a groundbreaking partnership between acclaimed Burgundian winemaker Paul Bouchard and trailblazing local winemaker Peter Finlayson. The Hemel-en-Aarde valley is a remarkable location to grow vines, with a terroir influenced by the ancient soils and the cool coastal breezes blowing in from the nearby cold Atlantic Ocean making it one of the coolest wine-growing areas in the Cape. The estate is committed to conservation and sustainable farming, only around 19ha is under vine in order to preserve the natural indigenous fynbos (a valuable ecosystem). The local fauna attracts insects, which in turn attracts other creatures such as birds which help the local environment.
The Winecroft featured white wine for May is the 2018 Bouchard Finlayson Missionvale Chardonnay. It is the flagship chardonnay of the estate. The name stems from the mission hospital established on the property in the early 19th century. All grapes are estate grown. Rich yet very fresh, a commanding wine with a solid backbone. Fruit flavours of pear, melon and peach together with a lively and long-lasting mouthfeel.
This wine is on the winelist of Fraiche, the Michelin-starred restaurant in Birkenhead.
