Bouchard Finlayson, Walker Bay Sauvignon Blanc, 2022
Bouchard Finlayson, Walker Bay Sauvignon Blanc, 2022
- White Still
- 75CL
- 13%
- Sauvignon Blanc
Couldn't load pickup availability
Bouchard Finlayson Walker Bay Sauvignon Blanc combines zesty citrus and fresh green herb aromas for a crisp, refreshing white. Bright acidity keeps the palate lively, while the clean, vibrant finish makes it a perfect match for seafood or light salads.
This 2022 vintage is designed for immediate enjoyment whilst the primary fruit flavours remain vibrant and the acidity provides refreshing lift. Over the next year, the citrus intensity will soften slightly whilst the herbal characteristics become more integrated. By 2028, the wine will show mature fruit flavours but may lose some of its defining freshness and varietal precision. Unlike age-worthy whites, this style peaks early and should be consumed whilst young and bright.
Tasting Notes
AppearancePale straw yellow with bright clarity and youthful vigour.
NoseZesty lime and grapefruit citrus dominate the aromatic profile. Fresh cut grass and green herb aromas add complexity, with subtle gooseberry fruit emerging with time. A mineral thread runs through the bouquet, reflecting the coastal terroir.
PalateCrisp and refreshing with bright acidity driving the palate forward. Citrus flavours are balanced by green apple freshness and subtle tropical fruit weight. The mid-palate shows good concentration without losing the wine's essential liveliness and precision.
FinishClean and vibrant with lingering citrus zest and a mineral, almost saline conclusion.
Overall impressionA textbook cool-climate Sauvignon Blanc that captures the varietal character whilst expressing Walker Bay's maritime terroir.
Food Pairings
Walker Bay's coastal location means local cuisine revolves around fresh seafood and maritime flavours. Line fish such as yellowtail and snoek are traditionally grilled over open coals and served with simple lemon and herb accompaniments. Mussel farms dot the bay, with the shellfish often prepared in white wine broths or served simply steamed. Fresh oysters from nearby estuaries pair naturally with the region's crisp white wines. Local restaurants favour light preparations that allow both wine and seafood to shine, often incorporating indigenous fynbos herbs for added complexity.
We think this wine would go well with
Serve well-chilled at 8-10°C to preserve the wine's crisp character and aromatics. No decanting required - pour directly from the bottle to maintain freshness. Use a medium-sized white wine glass to concentrate the citrus and herbal aromas. Best consumed within two years of vintage to capture peak freshness and varietal intensity.
The Walker Bay vineyards benefit from cooling Atlantic Ocean breezes that moderate temperatures during the growing season. Clay-rich shale soils with limestone deposits provide excellent water retention whilst maintaining good drainage. The maritime influence creates ideal conditions for Sauvignon Blanc, allowing the grapes to ripen slowly whilst retaining natural acidity and developing concentrated varietal character.
Walker Bay is one of South Africa's coolest wine regions, located along the Atlantic coast near Hermanus. The Ward of Origin designation requires all grapes to come from within the defined maritime-influenced area. Established as a wine region in the 1970s, Walker Bay specialises in cool-climate varieties, particularly Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, that struggle in South Africa's warmer interior regions.
The 2022 growing season in Walker Bay unfolded under generally favourable conditions, though winemakers navigated the usual coastal challenges of wind and variable spring weather. The maritime influence that defines this region proved particularly beneficial during what was a relatively warm growing season across the Western Cape, with the cool Atlantic breezes helping to preserve the natural acidity that makes Walker Bay wines so distinctive. Harvest timing proved crucial, with experienced producers able to capture optimal ripeness while maintaining the bright, mineral-driven character that sets this appellation apart.
The 2022 vintage has produced wines of solid quality, particularly the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay that have made Walker Bay's reputation. The Pinot Noirs display good colour and structure with that characteristic cool-climate elegance, while the Chardonnays show excellent balance between ripe fruit and the crisp minerality the region is known for. Sauvignon Blanc also performed well, capturing the herbaceous complexity that thrives in this coastal environment. Most 2022 Walker Bay wines are drinking beautifully now, though the better Pinot Noirs and barrel-fermented Chardonnays will reward cellaring for another three to five years.
FAQs
How long will this Sauvignon Blanc keep once opened?
Once opened, store in the refrigerator and consume within 2-3 days. The wine's high acidity helps preserve freshness, but the delicate aromatics will fade quickly once exposed to air.
Is this wine suitable for vegetarians and vegans?
Most modern South African producers use minimal intervention techniques, though fining agents vary. Contact Bouchard Finlayson directly for specific vegan certification on this vintage.
What makes Walker Bay Sauvignon Blanc different from Marlborough?
Walker Bay produces a more restrained, mineral-driven style compared to Marlborough's tropical intensity. The maritime climate creates wines with bright acidity but less aggressive herbaceous character, offering more subtle complexity.
Should I cellar this wine or drink it now?
Drink within two years for optimal freshness. Sauvignon Blanc rarely improves with extended cellaring and this style is crafted to showcase immediate varietal character and coastal terroir expression.
What temperature should I serve this at?
Serve at 8-10°C, well-chilled but not ice-cold. Over-chilling will mute the aromatics, whilst serving too warm will emphasise alcohol over the wine's natural freshness and citrus precision.
How does this compare to Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc?
Both regions share a cool climate approach, though Walker Bay typically shows more tropical fruit weight. Loire Sauvignon Blanc tends toward greater minerality and restraint, whilst this South African expression balances freshness with slightly riper fruit character.
-
Free UK Delivery
Learn about deliveryGet free UK delivery when you spend £75 or more on duty paid wine
-
Save 30% on a host of quality wines
Our fine wines are sourced from our sister retailers, but offered at a substantial discount to their previous selling prices.