Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant.

Founded in 1989 by the famous Burgundian company Bouchard et Fils in collaboration with winemaker Peter Finlayson, the Bouchard Finlayson estate covers 25 hectares of vineyards planted on clayey hills in the Hemel-en-Aarde valley in the Overberg district of the Western Cape. Here the maritime climate is mitigated by the Benguela current, coming from Antarctica, creating an ideal cool climate for the cultivation of vines and in particular for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Since 2000 the company has been owned by the Tollman family and the cellar is managed by winemaker Chris Albrecht. However, the company philosophy has not changed: they want to produce high-quality wines that express the unique terroir of South Africa, using the know-how and traditional winemaking techniques of Burgundy.

The Chardonnay grapes are selected from the Elandskloof Valley vineyard, located 700 meters above sea level in the Western Cape wine region. After a short maceration and alcoholic fermentation, the wine is aged for 8 months.

Bouchard Finlayson Crocodile's Lair Chardonnay is a rich and fragrant wine with aromas of ripe fruit and sweet spices, ginger, and lightly toasted notes. On the palate, it is fresh and lively. It has a good body and a very elegant balance. The finish is long and recalls mineral notes. Try it with fish such as salmon or with Indian vegetarian recipes.