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Transport your imagination to the Southern point of Africa, to a valley named Hemel-en-Aarde, where vineyards are framed by old carpeted mountains, a stones throw from the sea with frost free, soft, beneficial weather and the most perfect rugged vineyard soils... and it is here that you will find Bouchard Finlayson.
Here, the passionate pursuit of growing Tuscan cultivars in an area, long regarded as South Africa’s finest Pinot Noir terroir, has been a journey of discovery over the past ten years for winemaker Peter Finlayson, a dedicated “Pinotphyle”. This wine is made from 52% Sangiovese, 24% Pinot noir, 11% Nebbiolo, 9% Mourvedré and 4% Barbera. So, although all the fruit is home grown, this wine’s make up is two thirds Italian and one third French in origin. It is said that the essence and soul of Italian wine is in its local or regional grape varieties and nowhere is this more evident than in the Hannibal blend – the excitement of which lies in the indulgence of pitching these grape varieties together. It’s these “taste colours” which allow for Hannibal to be different and individually unique.
Peter is committed to raising the standards of his award winning wines. Many study trips to Burgundy have ensured that valuable friendships have been kindled with associates such as Paul Bouchard and Bruno Lorenzen. These contacts have spawned a web of knowledge, which can only be measured in the pleasure enjoyed from the product of Peter’s winemaking. “The initial intention was to look at the Pinot and Sangiovese varieties as separate wines, but through the experience of the test batches it was obvious that the complement of the two was a better result than the wines on their own. Sangiovese shows a sleek, racy fruit and tannin structure with a subtle bouquet of flowers and prunes. The complement of small amounts of Nebbiolo further enhances its tannin structure and complexity. The addition of a small amount of Barbera and Mouvedre creates further interest while a Pinot noir component makes the blend quite unique.”
Four seasons of test bottlings finally provided the confidence for the first release of Hannibal, in 2000. The early prediction on the 2003 vintage was that it was going to be a gem … a prophecy that has proven correct! This is the third release under the Hannibal label and once again the eclectic mystery arising from blending these unique “taste colours” together is emphasised.
Hannibal presents full, ripe wild berry and meaty flavours and a long confident mouth feel with plenty of aging potential enhanced by excellent French oak barrel ageing (sixteen months). This wine loves game!
Jean’s Thoughts
Throughout the few years that I have been in South Africa certain wineries simply deliver the goods and Bouchard Finlayson is most definitely one of them. This wine has so much longevity and the fruit is superb. This particular vintage has some touch of earthiness which goes well with any game meat or red meat. And yes, this Hannibal will goes well with Lamb too….
Brendon’s Thoughts
With its Italian heritage, its soft silky mouth feel and its elegant body structure, this wine oozes sex appeal! Most certainly a personal favourite.
At Caveau:R 240.00 per bottle
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