Bouchard Finlayson's Crocodile’s Lair Chardonnay is a celebration of richness and complexity. This South African wine presents a vibrant bouquet of ripe apple, melon and pear, enhanced by delicate vanilla and honey undertones from meticulously managed oak ageing. On the palate, it offers profound, multilayered flavours enveloping crisp acidity that assures a well-balanced, lingering finish. It's truly an elegant offering from the famed Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, reflecting an intimate understanding of the chardonnay grape, maturing into a wine that, much like the Crocodile’s Lair it's named after, commands respect and intrigue.

Tasting Notes

Sleek and refined, a most enjoyable spicy lemon drop aroma announces white peach, nectarine and pear on the palate. A refreshing salinity graces a lasting finish.

About the Winery

Nestled in the verdant vine-clad hills of South Africa's Hemel-en-Aarde valley, Bouchard Finlayson winery is an idyllic retreat for any wine connoisseur. The winery’s exceptional vintages pay homage to the lush environment surrounding them, capturing the essence of coastal tranquility in every bottle.

Bouchard Finlayson, established in 1989, is an eminent leader in the country's winemaking industry. Founded by Peter Finlayson and Paul Bouchard, the winery swiftly acquired recognition for its pristine Pinot noir. The exceptional quality of their wine quickly found its way onto international platforms, bolstering South Africa's acclaim in global wine circles.

Covering an area of 125 hectares, the winery offers ample picturesque vistas, with its vineyards perched upon gently sloping hills. Yet, less than 25% of this vast expanse is under vine, the rest is dedicated to preserving the natural beauty of the valley's flora, fauna and most crucially, its biodiversity. This marriage of winemaking and conservation truly embodies the ethos of Bouchard Finlayson.

The winery's philosophy is rooted in exceptional attention to detail; from the meticulous selection of grape varieties through to the careful ageing of wines in French oak barrels. The outcome of this painstaking endeavour is a range of full-bodied wines with rich complexities and exuberant character, making a tasting at Bouchard Finlayson wine, an irresistible treat to any discerning palate.

Vital to Bouchard Finlayson’s reputation is its commitment to sustainability. In conjunction with the WWF, it actively works to protect the unique fynbos plant species found in the area. This conservation initiative reflects the winery’s conscious effort in maintaining the natural balance so crucial to the creation of its peerless wines.

Bouchard Finlayson’s place in the South African winemaking scene continues to blossom, its captivating blend of traditional methods, innovative spirit and conservationist ethos shaping it into an unforgettable wine destination, A well-deserved stop on any avid wine-lover's itinerary.

https://www.bouchardfinlayson.co.za

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