{"product_id":"bouchard-finlayson-crocodiles-lair-chardonnay-afrique-du-sud","title":"Bouchard Finlayson - Crocodile's Lair Chardonnay - 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003eLocated in the cool Elgin Valley, east of the Cape Peninsula, Crocodile's Lair vineyard belongs to the Bouchard Finlayson estate, based in Hemel-en-Aarde near Hermanus, in the Walker Bay region. Nestled high on hillsides exposed to ocean breezes from the South Atlantic, the vines benefit from a significantly cooler climate than the South African average. The soils are primarily composed of deep clay and decomposed schist, providing efficient drainage and slow ripening, ideal for the elegant and precise expression of Chardonnay.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe grapes are harvested by hand and then gently pressed as whole bunches before light settling. The must is then transferred to French oak barrels where fermentation takes place, largely thanks to indigenous yeasts. Partial malolactic fermentation is generally encouraged to preserve freshness. Aging continues on fine lees in barrels, with periodic stirring to add texture and complexity, before final blending and bottling at the estate.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis wine reveals notes of \u003cstrong\u003egreen apple\u003c\/strong\u003e , \u003cstrong\u003eripe lemon\u003c\/strong\u003e , and \u003cstrong\u003ewhite peach\u003c\/strong\u003e , complemented by delicate \u003cstrong\u003efloral\u003c\/strong\u003e touches, subtle \u003cstrong\u003espicy\u003c\/strong\u003e nuances, and a fine oakiness with hints of \u003cstrong\u003evanilla\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003etoasted hazelnut\u003c\/strong\u003e . A subtle \u003cstrong\u003emineral\u003c\/strong\u003e structure underscores the whole and adds tension. On the palate, the texture is ample yet precise, supported by a lively and balanced acidity, with a long, fresh, and flavorful finish that highlights the purity of the fruit and the elegance of the terroir.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"South World Wine","offers":[{"title":"750ml","offer_id":56199660110172,"sku":null,"price":26.4,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false},{"title":"Box of 6 bottles (75cl)","offer_id":56199660142940,"sku":null,"price":158.4,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0284\/0032\/0643\/files\/BOUCHARD-FINLAYSON-Crocodile-s-Lair--Kaaimansgat--2023.jpg?v=1765380963","url":"https:\/\/www.lebaroudeurduvin.com\/en-at\/products\/bouchard-finlayson-crocodiles-lair-chardonnay-south-africa","provider":"Le Baroudeur du Vin","version":"1.0","type":"link"}