Seafood and wine are two of life’s great pleasures. Our resident Wine Master rates the best of the fishy quaffers

BOUCHARD-FINLAYSON BLANC DE MER 2008

No cultivar dominates in this stylish blended white which is ideally suited for drinking with the fruits of the sea. Instead, it is an adventurous blend of Riesling, Viognier, Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc and a mere 2 percent of Chardonnay, all of which provide a medley of fruit flavours on the nose.

The palate is rich yet with a crisp, lively finish.

Enjoy it with lighter white-fleshed fish, such as kabeljou or hake.
CELLAR PRICE: R64
 

BOUCHARD-FINLAYSON MISSIONVALE CHARDONNAY 2008

This superbly crafted wine, with its elegant 13 percent alcohol, layers of flavour and intricate structure, shows a nose of peach, pear, mango and melon, with a subtle overlay of vanilla toastiness.

The palate is seamless with upfront fruit balanced by an impressive minerality and a vibrant freshness.

The integrated tannins and persistent finish show that, despite its drinkability, it will age well for a further three to four years.

Enjoy it with wood-smoked yellowtail.
CELLAR PRICE: R120
 

BOUCHARD-FINLAYSON GALPIN PEAK PINOT NOIR 2008

Decanter magazine recently pronounced this Hemel-en Aarde-Valley stalwart one of the world’s 50 best Pinot Noirs.

The nose is packed with cherry, blackcurrant and an earthy spiciness, while the elegant palate has layers of berry fruits and toasted vanilla oak, with beautifully integrated tannins.
 

Although hard to resist now, it can be cellared for up to five years.

Enjoy it with salmon, cooked slowly over a wood fire.
CELLAR PRICE: R205