Bouchard Finlayson 'Crocodile's Lair' Chardonnay, Walker Bay 2023

A rich and complex Chardonnay from a famous estate

Bouchard Finlayson is an internationally-renowned estate situated in Hemel-en-Aarde, otherwise known as Heaven-and-Earth
This 100% Chardonnay comes from Kaaimansgat vineyard, which translates into 'Crocodile's Lair'
There are rich mineral and citrus fruit notes that complement peach and vanilla characteristics
Aged in a range of barrels from new to fifth-fill, there is great complexity and richness to this wine
Perfect with chicken dishes - try chicken breast wrapped in prosciutto and garnished with a sage leaf

Grape variety: Chardonnay
Vintage: 2023
Type/Colour: White
Alcohol: 12.5%
Bottle Size: 75cl
Group: Cape South Coast
Suitable for Vegans: Yes
Sustainable: Yes

Bouchard Finlayson is a top class, internationally-renowned estate situated in Walker Bay, mid-way between Cape Point and Cape Agulhas (the most southerly tip of Africa). The climate is largely influenced by the nearby cold Atlantic Ocean rendering it one of the coolest wine-growing areas in the Cape. The Hemel-en-Aarde valley, home to Bouchard Finlayson, is surrounded and sheltered by a mountain barrier, formed by Galpin Peak (810 metres) and the Tower of Babel (1200 metres), which traps the cloud cover and moisture brought in from the sea by the prevailing wind.

The estate is committed to conservation and sustainable farming, and they strongly believe their BWI membership sets them apart from other winemaking regions in the world. BWI (Biodiversity and Wine Initiative) is a partnership between the South African wine industry and the conservation sector, aimed at protecting the Cape's rich floral kingdom.

To this end, only 19ha of their most precious resource - the land - is under vine in order to preserve the natural indigenous fynbos (a valuable ecosystem).

The grapes were fermented in classic Burgundian fashion and allowed to age in small barrels in contact with the original fermentation yeast. The wine reflects a traditional mineral quality which is symptomatic of the vineyards austere location. While currently tight and fresh the evolution of this bottling will gradually offer more pronounced nutty and creamy components with enhanced maturation flavours.

Bouchard Finlayson are accredited by IPW - South Africa's voluntary environmental sustainability scheme for wine producers.