Bouchard Finlayson - Hannibal, 2016
Peter Finlayson is one of the most highly regarded South-African winemakers. He founded Bouchard Finlayson in 1991. The winery and its vineyards are situated in the southernmost part of Walker Bay, where fierce winds from the ocean cool down the climate.
Bouchard Finlayson is greatly respected for their Burgundian style pinot noir which is made in a traditional (Burgundian) style but they also do other great wines, the following being a good example. Bouchard Finlayson’s wine “Hannibal”,takes its name from the famed Carthaginian general of the 2nd century BC. It also symbolises the synergy linking the wine lands of France and Italy with the continent of Africa, where Hannibal was from.
In Hannibal, there is an adventurous mix of six grape varieties – three French and three Italian. This is not a traditional blend at all. In fact, this wine would piss off two entire countries – if it wasn’t so good, of course!
The wine is a brilliant ruby in the glass, with a medium intensity of colour. To the nose, it’s immediately striking due to its peculiarity. The fruit notes are succulent and ripe, ranging from red (red cherry, strawberry, red plums) to black (blackberry, black plums). Several nuances emerge from the glass, representing all six grape varieties present in the blend. It’s like every grape harmoniously takes its turn nodding to the drinker before delicately giving way to the next. Black pepper from syrah and barbera, autumn leaves and a subtle earthiness from sangiovese and pinot noir, dried rose and balsamic herbs from nebbiolo, a game and furry undertone from mourvedre.
On the palate, the wine is medium to full in body. Succulent, juicy, concentrated in flavours. The flavours echo the nose, with toast and butterscotch hints, along with tobacco and meat aspects which serves to wrap the multi-layered complexity of this wine. High both in acidity and tannins, the wine is snappy and precise, moving fast in the mouth with a velvety mouthfeel. Great intensity and character. Fresh and pleasantly astringent in its long finish.