Hannibal 2019 (Bouchard Finlayson)

Drink now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. Situated in a scenic valley called Hemel-en-Aarde, Bouchard Finlayson is one of South Africa's most awarded boutique wineries, famous all over the world for its production of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc. The vineyards, located on gentle slopes with excellent exposure, are surrounded aby great mountains, breathtaking views of the ocean, and untouched nature. Here winemaker Chris Albrecht grows excellent quality grapes to produce wines full of flavor. Inspired by Italian wines, Hannibal is a blend of Sangiovese and Nebbiolo, with additions of Pinot Noir, Shiraz, Mourvedre, and Barbera. The name is a reference to the Carthaginian general Hannibal, who invaded Italy with his African elephant and symbolizes the connection between the Old and the New World. The grapes are harvested and vinified separately. After about a year in French oak, the wines are blended and the blend rests for another 3 months before being released on the market. The wine shows a unique and complex aromatic profile with notes of red cherry and hints of leather, violet, licorice, tea, and tobacco. On the palate, it is round and elegant, with good structure and smooth tannins. The finish is long and recalls notes of tobacco. Try it with medium-spicy fish-based dishes and some Indian recipes.