Bouchard Finlayson

Bouchard Finlayson was established in 1989 by Peter Finlayson (winemaker) and Paul Bouchard (Burgundy négociant family) — a cross-continental collaboration that brought Burgundian winemaking philosophy directly to Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. The estate covers 18 hectares of the Valley's oldest shale and clay soils, farmed sustainably with a focus on vineyard expression over winemaking intervention. Their Galpin Peak Pinot Noir — named for the mountain above the vineyard — is made with Burgundian restraint: whole-cluster fermentation, indigenous yeasts, and minimal new oak to preserve the distinctive Hemel clay mineral and cool-climate freshness.

Bouchard Finlayson's Galpin Peak Pinot Noir is cited by Jancis Robinson and Decanter as one of South Africa's most important fine wine expressions — the Burgundy connection lending the estate unique winemaking credentials. Consistently scoring 90-95, Galpin Peak demonstrates that South African Pinot can achieve European complexity from the right combination of cool-climate site, Burgundian philosophy, and minimal intervention winemaking.