Near the Southernmost point of Africa lies a valley named Hemel-en-Aarde (Heaven and Earth) framed by mountains and within sight of the ocean, with frost free, soft, beneficial weather and the most perfect clay shale vineyard soils. Established in 1989, Bouchard Finlayson is a boutique winery (the 125-hectare property currently has 22 hectares under vine) dedicated to making Pinot noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc wines of outstanding quality.

The 2015 Missionvale Chardonnay probably offers the most complex aromatics from Bouchard Finlayson this vintage: dried honey, hints of orange rind and honeysuckle, more Mirabelle aromas with time in the glass. The palate is smooth and rounded on the entry, the 30% new oak imparting almond and brioche notes, leading to a smooth and seductive finish that probably needs a little more bite. Still, this is an easygoing but delicious Chardonnay. Wine Advocate 90