Bouchard Finlayson Tete De Cuvee Galpin Peak Pinot Noir is a robust, dark and full bodied wine with real complexity. Rich and aristocratically structured, with a delicious core of blueberry, wild cherry and forest berry flavours. Long, rich and layered on the finish, its lovely, ripe tannins keep you coming back for more and suggest a long life ahead. Possibly the best Pinot from anywhere south of Lyons.

Country: South Africa
Region: Cape South Coast
Subregion: Walker Bay
Vintage: 2012
Colour: Red
Grape Variety: Pinot Noir
ABV: 14.5%
Bottle Size: 75cl
Closure: Natural cork
Style: Rich and elegant
Drink With: Roast duck with green peppercorn sauce

The Bouchard Finlayson Tête de Cuvée Galpin Peak Pinot Noir is, as the name "head of the cuveé" suggests, a limited edition bottling of the best barrels of Pinot Noir form the Galpin Peak vineyard. It is only produced in exceptional vintages as an opportunity to take advantage of the best quality fruit. The essence of Galpin Peak's particular terroir is locked up in the complex chemistry and moisture retaining properties of the lower Hemel-en-Aarde Valley's heavy clay soils.

This bottling of Tête de Cuvée Pinot Noir is a selection of the twelve best barrels from the 2012 vintage. The wine matured in 100% new oak which means more time will be required for it to settle down and show its best, but the quality of grapes was so high that this greater compliment of new wood will mean greater complexity in the end.

93/100, Wine Spectator Magazine, September 2013