Galpin Peak Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir always expresses itself best with good food. Avoid any sweetness or too much spice. Enjoy with Emmental cheese, salmon, duck or beef! In fact this wine is not shy to stand up handsomely against most dishes!

One of South Africa’s most awarded boutique wine estates lies in a scenic valley just an hour and a half from Cape Town called Hemel-en-Aarde or Heaven-and-Earth. Framed by great fold mountains and breath-taking ocean views it is one of the coolest wine-making regions in the Cape with duplex soil structures and sun-facing slopes. The promise of the unique terroir is harnessed by winemaker Chris Albrecht in slow-ripened flavour-rich wines of exceptional quality. Bouchard Finlayson is globally acclaimed for producing the best Pinot Noir in South Africa as well as exceptional Chardonnays and Sauvignon Blancs. The vineyards are surrounded by an indigenous floral conservancy alive with birdsong and wildflowers. Beyond the beauty of the farm itself you can discover the enchantments of the local area. Some of the popular attractions of nearby Hermanus include whale-watching; shark-cage diving; mountain hiking or biking; browsing art antiques and shops; and of course the white sandy beaches.

Spring 2019 saw ideal weather conditions during flower and fruit set, heightening expectations for the upcoming vintage. However, our hopes were soon challenged by the atypical and unstable weather presented early in the New Year. Fortunately, dry conditions set in as soon as harvest commenced, with the crop remaining healthy. Volumes recovered slightly from the light 2019 vintage and all-round, unexpectedly positive, fruit-quality was delivered to the cellar.

Following an average of 21 days on skin, the wines were delicately pressed and barrelled down to French oak for 11months maturation.

The use of whole grape bunches or clusters during fermentation, is a much discussed subject, as it plays a significant role in the general feel, as well as the aromatic composition of the eventual wine. Apart from the intended style, fruit ripeness and health determine the amount included, where 20% of this vintage was not destemmed.