This is a circus blend, an unconventional fusion of 5 cultivars with the 2011 bringing in a 6th. It seems as though Peter Finlayson’s ultimate talent lies in blending judging from the ageability of the Blanc de Mer and success of the Hannibal red blend. Riesling provides the backbone, with the other varieties adding character and texture. We tasted a mini-vertical at the recent Bouchard Finlayson trade show at the 12 Apostles hotel.Bouchard Finlayson’s Blanc de Mer

2011 - R78 per bottle

49% Riesling followed by, 22% Viognier, 10% Chenin Blanc, 10% Sauvignon Blanc, 5% Chardonnay and 4% Semillon. The nose shows bright lemon, lime and some pineapple. It has an herbaceous lemon leaf note, minty component and a faint toffee rim. It’s chalky, almost powdery on the palate. Not shy, it enters unctuously with the same flavours following through quite congruently. A generous intensity of tropical notes leaning to a holism of attractive fatness. On the finish there is some dusty powdery tannin but it’s still crisp and clean. Lip- smacking poppysmicking (google it!).

2003

Baked lemon meringue pie, lime cordial and gooseberries. A lot of yellow comes to mind! Notes of straw lead to a faint oxidative character in the background, adding much interest. Very full entry, quiet voluptuous with bouncing about notes of green kumquats. Some dryness contrasts a juicy crunch on the finish and a nylon thread of acidity. Quiet decadent on its own.

1991

Surprisingly youthful colour for its age, the nose has a great complexity of bottle aged notes; lime squeezed over honey comb, sultanas, Vaseline, peaches and pears. A touch of bran and pineapple skin follow on the palate which is very savoury. Lemon and lime again bring up the rear after an almost dusty smooth texture. Altogether but it could be past its best.

Tessa, March

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Bouchard Finlayson Blanc de Mere tasting notes vertical tasting