Bouchard Finlayson, Tête de Cuvée Pinot Noir, Hemel-en-Aarde, Walker Bay, South Africa 2019

A superb Pinot put together using only the very best barrels of Bouchard Finlayson's flagship wine, Galpin Peak, and only made in exceptional years. A complex selection and marriage of the best new wood, coming from some of the oldest vines on the estate. This is certainly a wine designed to age. In 2019 wildfires caused havoc in much of the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, but these vineyards suffered little damage. The nose can only be described as elegant and seductive. It has a delicate combination of savoury, earthy, animal characters and floral violet and cranberry notes. Spice and zippy acid lend good finesse to this well-balanced wine and cement its ability to age well.