Bouchard Finlayson Missionvale Chardonnay 2022

Region and Vineyards

The Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, located near Hermanus in South Africa’s Walker Bay, has firmly established itself as one of the Cape’s premier Chardonnay regions. The valley's cool maritime climate, influenced by its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, provides ideal conditions for slow grape ripening, preserving the natural acidity and aromatic complexity of the Chardonnay grapes.

The 2022 vintage was marked by a late start to the season due to cold, wet conditions during flowering in 2021. However, January 2022 brought some of the hottest and driest conditions recorded in the past seven years, allowing for a long, healthy ripening process. This led to a concentrated crop with outstanding fruit quality, showing phenolic ripeness and refreshingly balanced natural sugars.

Winemaking

The Bouchard Finlayson Missionvale Chardonnay 2022 is vinified with a combination of traditional and innovative methods to highlight the complexity and elegance of the fruit.

A significant portion—40% of the wine—is fermented using indigenous yeasts, ensuring a natural and spontaneous fermentation that enhances the wine’s textural richness. The remaining portion undergoes fermentation with locally sourced, organically grown natural yeasts, promoting balance and precision in alcohol conversion.

The wine is matured for 9 months, with 8% aged in amphora and the remainder in French oak barrels. This careful aging regime integrates subtle oak notes without overpowering the purity of the fruit. The final wine is bottled with light filtration in February 2023, preserving its vibrancy and integrity.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Bright, crystalline, and energetic with a pale gold hue.
• Aroma: Enticing aromas of ripe pear, delicate floral notes, and subtle hints of citrus. The bouquet is refined and expressive.
• Palate: A beautifully textured wine, offering flavors of ripe stone fruit and citrus zest balanced by refreshing acidity. Its fine texture and delicate oak influence create a superbly harmonious and elegant finish. The wine’s youth and vibrancy promise further development through 2026.

Did You Know?

The name Missionvale pays tribute to the estate’s historic mission hospital, which was established on the property in the early 19th century. This wine is a reflection of the estate’s deep respect for its land and its ability to produce some of the Cape’s finest Chardonnays.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Creamy prawn stroganoff: The wine’s fine texture complements the richness of the creamy sauce while balancing the flavors with its refreshing acidity.
• Waldorf salad: The combination of fresh apples, celery, and walnuts enhances the citrus and pear notes of the Chardonnay.
• Grilled halloumi: The wine’s structure and minerality pair beautifully with the saltiness and texture of this cheese.
• Chèvre (goat cheese): The freshness of chèvre harmonizes with the wine’s crisp acidity and delicate 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.