2010 Galpin Peak Pinot Noir Tete de Cuvee

The 2010 Tete de Cuvee Pinot Noir is the flagship wine from Bouchard-Finlayson, though I often prefer the Galpin Peak. Comparing the ‘11 Galpin with the ‘10 Tete de Cuvee, yet again I err toward the former that is half the price. Matured for 18 months in 30% new oak, it has a lifted bouquet with small dark cherries, boysenberry jam and a touch of wild strawberry, the oak perhaps a little too pronounced for my liking. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy dark cherry fruit on the entry mingling with sour cherry and citric notes. It is nicely balanced with good weight on the finish, but I prefer the refinement and naturalness exuded by the Galpin Peak ‘11. Drink now-2018. Winemaker Peter Finlayson crafts some superb wines from Hemel-en-Aarde. I personally do not find them quite as consistent as some other commentators, although this time I felt the Galpin Peak Pinot Noir was finally achieving the quality commensurate with its reputation. Importer: Indigo Wine Group, Venice, FL; tel. (941) 483-1816