Galpin Peak Pinot Noir

A wine of substance – generously structured for the long haul. Immediately expressive succulent plum, clove and nutmeg. Well defined and concentrated black olive tapenade and cranberry tart flavours, all elegantly packaged around an ever present kelp-like tannin. Velvety smooth finish.

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.

Cold and exceedingly wet conditions occurred during flowering and berry set late in 2021, pushing the onset of the harvest season ever later. The ripening season of January 2022 however, saw some of the hottest and driest conditions that have been recorded over the past seven years; the rainfall received for this period was atypically low. This allowed for a long, healthy ripening of a concentrated crop. Minimal disease pressure and dilution resulted in the production of fruit of an outstanding quality, in which full phenolic ripeness and refreshingly low natural sugar accumulation was expressed.

A 9th estate vineyard was the first newcomer in almost a decade, adding a touch of youthful vibrance. Indigenous yeast populations, accompanying the grapes from the vineyards, now account for 34% of primary fermentation. Sharp focus is placed on the separation of pressing fractions, which are matured apart and mostly not included in the final cuvee. Blended after 11months maturation in French oak, 28% of which were new. Bottled following 4 months elevage, in May 2023.