If you’re looking for a few good wines to buy for home, stock up the cellar or a gift for THAT ONE wine loving friend who knows his Bordeaux from his Rhone blends (ehm, Me) here’s a little something to help you out.
Boutique winery Bouchard Finlayson in the Hemel en Aarde valley have walked away with six awards at the recent 2016 South African Wine Index (SAWi) awards, highlighting its status as one of South Africa’s seven top wine producers this year.
For the third year in a row, this Hemel-en-Aarde winery won no less than four Platinum SAWi awards, including a full ‘100’ Platinum score for the Galpin Peak Pinot noir; Tête de Cuvée; and Hannibal. It scored 95.3 for its Kaaimansgat Crocodiles Lair Chardonnay, and received Grand Gold awards for the Reserve Sauvignon Blanc and Missionvale Chardonnay, both scoring 93.1.
Owned by the Tollman family and headed by Peter Finlayson as winemaker, assisted by junior winemaker Chris Albrecht, the boutique winery also won the Top Red Blend (other) category for its celebrated Italian/French red blend, Hannibal, for the sixth year running. In the Top Category Award for Pinot Noir, the multi-award winning Galpin Peak Pinot Noir also walked away with the top honours for the sixth year running, in addition to achieving the Highest score for a Noble Red produced in South Africa this year, alongside Eagles Nest Shiraz and Rijks Private Cellar Pinotage.
Despite being able to easily order almost anything online, it’s often better to try the wines you’re hoping to buy, what i consider a delcious chardonnay you may find overly wooded. That being said, why not head to The Hemel and Aarde wine route when the travel bug hits you and you’re hoping to see something new. There are some amazing wineries within short distance of each other and as always, fantastic winter specials too.
The Bouchard Finlayson estate has the most picturesque views, with the most instagram-able candy floss clouds and often the wines are cheaper at the estate and when you buy a case or two-reason enough, I think.
Let me know when you need my delivery address!
