Bouchard Finlayson Hannibal 2020

Region and Vineyards

The Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, located in South Africa’s Walker Bay, is a renowned wine region celebrated for its cool maritime climate and exceptional terroir. The region’s proximity to the Atlantic Ocean creates an ideal environment for slow ripening, which preserves the grapes’ natural acidity and aromatic finesse.

Hannibal 2020 is sourced from mature, low-yielding vineyards planted on clay-rich soils, which contribute to the wine’s structure and concentration. The vineyards, hand-harvested during a six-week period, reflect the estate’s focus on sustainability and precision viticulture.

The 2019–2020 season began with promising flowering conditions, though the start of the year brought atypical weather challenges. However, the onset of dry conditions during harvest ensured healthy, high-quality fruit, marking a strong recovery from the light 2019 vintage.

Winemaking

The Bouchard Finlayson Hannibal 2020 celebrates its 20th release, a milestone for this eccentric yet beloved blend. The wine is crafted with meticulous care, beginning with hand-harvesting of the estate’s naturally low-yielding vineyards.

Each varietal undergoes individual alcoholic fermentation in stainless steel tanks before being transferred to small barrels for the extended malolactic fermentation process. Notably, the Sangiovese component, which makes up 41% of the blend, can take up to nine months to complete.

The final blend, consisting of 41% Sangiovese, 26% Nebbiolo, 10% Barbera, 9% Shiraz, 8% Pinot Noir, and 6% Mourvèdre, is assembled after 12 months of aging in small oak barrels, of which 17% are new oak. Bottling took place in July 2021, ensuring harmony and balance in the wine’s final expression.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep ruby red with vibrant clarity and intensity.
• Aroma: A complex and layered bouquet featuring notes of dried violets, iron oxide, and earthy forest floor. Subtle hints of spice and mineral undertones add further intrigue.
• Palate: Bold and structured, with firm tannins and a “meaty” texture. Flavors of red berries, savory herbs, and a touch of leather unfold with refined intensity. The wine’s focused, lingering finish hints at its remarkable aging potential from 2023 through 2033.

Did You Know?

The name Hannibal symbolizes the connection between the winelands of France and Italy—a nod to the Carthaginian general Hannibal, who famously crossed the Alps with elephants, linking two historic wine cultures. This blend pays tribute to Italian varietals while celebrating South Africa’s unique terroir.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Cape vegetable biryani: The spice and depth of this dish complement the wine’s earthy and savory notes.
• Mauritian seafood vindaye: The vibrant flavors of this spiced seafood dish balance beautifully with the wine’s structure and complexity.
• Brioche toast with goat’s milk cheese: The creamy texture of the cheese enhances the wine’s fine tannins and floral notes.

History of Bouchard Finlayson

Founded in 1989 by Peter Finlayson, one of South Africa’s pioneer winemakers, and Paul Bouchard, a respected Burgundian vintner, Bouchard Finlayson was created with the vision of crafting exceptional cool-climate wines in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. Recognizing the potential of this unique terroir, they combined their expertise to produce wines that rival the best in the world.

Peter Finlayson, often called the “Father of Pinot Noir” in South Africa, played a crucial role in introducing and perfecting this varietal in the country. The partnership between Finlayson’s local knowledge and Bouchard’s Burgundian heritage shaped the estate's philosophy: precision, elegance, and respect for the land.

Today, under the ownership of the Tollman family (since 2000), the estate continues to uphold its legacy of producing exceptional wines. The Tollmans’ commitment to sustainable practices and meticulous vineyard management ensures the ongoing success and evolution of the winery.

Region and Vineyards

Bouchard Finlayson is located in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, a cool-climate wine region near Hermanus in Walker Bay, South Africa. The valley’s name, meaning “Heaven and Earth” in Afrikaans, reflects its stunning natural beauty and exceptional conditions for viticulture.

The proximity to the Atlantic Ocean ensures a temperate maritime climate, characterized by cool breezes and significant diurnal temperature variations. This allows for slow and even grape ripening, preserving natural acidity and aromatic complexity—ideal conditions for varietals like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

The vineyards span 22 hectares, planted primarily with Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and other varietals such as Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, and Shiraz for their flagship Hannibal blend. The soils consist of decomposed shale with clay deposits, providing excellent drainage while retaining moisture, ensuring vine health and flavor concentration.

The estate also sources fruit from trusted growers in regions like the Kaaimansgat (Crocodile’s Lair) vineyard in the Elandskloof Valley, further expanding their winemaking palette.

Wine Range of Bouchard Finlayson

• Galpin Peak Pinot Noir: The estate’s flagship wine, a cool-climate Pinot Noir offering elegance, vibrant fruit, and depth.
• Missionvale Chardonnay: A refined, complex expression of estate-grown Chardonnay, beautifully textured and balanced.
• Crocodile’s Lair Kaaimansgat Chardonnay: A high-altitude Chardonnay that showcases freshness, minerality, and citrus notes.
• Hannibal: A unique and iconic red blend combining Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, and Mediterranean varietals, inspired by the wines of northern Italy.
• Sauvignon Blanc: A vibrant, crisp white wine offering tropical and mineral-driven notes.

Did You Know?

Bouchard Finlayson’s name combines its two founders: Paul Bouchard from Burgundy and Peter Finlayson, a South African pioneer in Pinot Noir. The estate’s iconic Hannibal blend pays homage to the Carthaginian general Hannibal, symbolizing the connection between the wines of France and Italy.