Tête de Cuvée Pinot Noir Gift Box
Flagship Red Wine
R1,760
The pinnacle of our Pinot Noir journey, the Tête de Cuvée Pinot Noir is only released in exceptional vintages presented in a custom gift box.
Tête de Cuvée Pinot Noir 2021
More Information
In blending the Tête de Cuvée the winemaker meticulously sample each barrel of the vintage, selecting only those that offer a perfect expression of the Hemel-en-Aarde’s unique terroir. The result? A Pinot Noir quite unlike any other. The Tête de Cuvée Pinot Noir speaks to a sense of place; offering a wine that is exuberant in youth, with the structure and complexity to improve over years of cellar maturation.
Vintage
It’s been remarked before how the weather, during recent odd vintages, seems to behave to the benefit of local vintners. 2021 followed this pattern of 2019, 2017 and 2015. Yields varied significantly between cultivars and apart from a big rain event on 14 March, dry and cool conditions prevailed during picking. Phenolic ripeness outperformed sugar accumulation in the berries, resulting in juices with low potential alcohol and balanced natural acidities.
Recent Awards
96 pts – James Suckling, 2022
‘Bouchard Finlayson’s Tête de Cuvée is our highest-rated South African Pinot Noir.
The Tête de Cuvée Pinot Noir 2020 is a particular stunner.’ – James Suckling
95 pts – International Wine Challenge, SA Red Trophy 2022
95 pts – Tim Atkin South Africa Report, 2023
93 pts – Wine Spectator, 2022
Vinification
A Tête de Cuvée wine is not presented at every vintage – only when the occasionally precarious Hemel-en-Aarde climate allows for perfect Pinot Noir ripening conditions. This bottling is regarded as the most promising wine from the cellar and carries the Bouchard Finlayson flag. The majority of grapes supplied for this cuvee is from the oldest vines on the property, with the average vine age exceeding 22years. The winemaker selects individual barrels to compile the chosen components – in this instance only eight, of which four were new oak. Bottled in July 2022.
Analysis
Alcohol: 13.24 vol%
Total Acidity: 5.6g/l
pH: 2.0 g/l
Volatile Acidity: 3.44
Total SO2: 0.65 g/l
Allergens: Sulphites
Tasting Notes
Medium-deep garnet colour. Aromatically abundant black cherry, rose and strawberry with delicate cinnamon and essential oil adding more nuances. Beautifully integrated oak spice underscores a savoury and classically dense texture. Regal and elegant – builds to lasting complex finish. Best from 2024 through 2034.
Food Pairing
Pairs beautifully with the special moments in life – anniversaries, birthdays and family gatherings. Consider a fragrant crab or shellfish risotto, succulent and crispy fried duck breast or a classic Thanksgiving turkey with cranberry sauce.
