Elegant and pure, the 2024 Bouchard Finlayson Sans Barrique Chardonnay is a vibrant expression of high-altitude Elandskloof terroir in the Cape South Coast. Grown in cool, clay-based soils with low sunlight exposure, this unoaked Chardonnay showcases crisp green apple, jasmine, and citrus rind on the nose. The palate is fresh and precise, with bright acidity, creamy texture, and notes of lemon pith and dried hay. A refined, wood-free Chardonnay with clarity and poise—drink now through 2027.
The 2024 vintage delivered small, concentrated berries from our high-altitude Overberg vineyard at 700m—ideal for crafting this vibrant, unoaked Chardonnay. Despite early-season rains and reduced yields, ripening progressed perfectly, preserving freshness and purity. Fermented at low temperatures in stainless steel, the wine saw no oak contact, capturing a clean fruit profile. A touch of Hemel-en-Aarde Chardonnay was blended in to enhance texture and aromatic depth.
Winemaker: Chris Albrecht
Established in 1989, Bouchard Finlayson is a boutique winery dedicated to the making of Pinot noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc wines of outstanding quality. Located in the wine ward of Walker Bay, an hour and a half from Cape Town, the 125-hectare property currently has 22 hectares under vines, the rest is mountain land, covered by the spectacular indigenous 'fynbos' flora of the Western Cape.
Bouchard Finlayson's flagship wine is the Galpin Peak Pinot Noir, which has won many an award and accolade. Growing on the slopes of Galpin Peak, repeated vintages of this path-blazing wine continue to reflect a true celebration of Pinot-crafting, consistently endorsing the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley as a jewel in the hunt for this elusive grape. Bouchard Finlayson is renowned as one of South Africa's top wineries and this can be attributed to their philosophy and focus to produce wines of the finest quality.
Bouchard Finlayson's flagship wine is the Galpin Peak Pinot Noir, which has won many an award and accolade. Growing on the slopes of Galpin Peak, repeated vintages of this path-blazing wine continue to reflect a true celebration of Pinot-crafting, consistently endorsing the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley as a jewel in the hunt for this elusive grape. Bouchard Finlayson is renowned as one of South Africa's top wineries and this can be attributed to their philosophy and focus to produce wines of the finest quality.
