Crystallum 'Ferrum' Chardonnay 2025

Crystallum 'Ferrum' Chardonnay 2025

Overberg

South Africa, South Africa

Regular price£45.00
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Arriving: In Stock

Case Size
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Style: White Packaging: OCC
ABV: 13.5% Closure: Cork
Organic: No Drink from: 2026
Biodynamic: No Drink to:
Grapes: 100% Chardonnay

PRODUCER'S NOTES

Ferrum Chardonnay is sourced from a single vineyard planted on Crystallum's own land at Shaw's Mountain, situated just outside the Hemel-en-Aarde region near Hermanus. This elevated site combines cool maritime influences with exceptional soils, producing a Chardonnay of purity, tension and distinctive mineral character.

Latest Release (2025)

A tightly wound and energetic expression of the vineyard, combining vibrancy with remarkable precision. Aromas of green apple, white peach, nectarine and lemongrass are complemented by notes of sea spray, lending freshness and balance. With time in the glass, delicate floral aromas emerge alongside savoury hints of bay leaf, pistachio and a touch of ginger. The palate is taut and focused, with bright lime-driven acidity and subtle meringue notes carrying through to a long, mineral finish.

Vinification

The fruit was whole-bunch pressed, with no enzymes or sulphites added at pressing. Following an overnight settling, the juice was transferred to barrel, where spontaneous fermentation took place. The wine was then matured for 10 months in a combination of 300 and 500-litre barrels, 20% of which were new oak, enhancing texture and complexity while preserving the vineyard's natural freshness and character.

Critic scores
17.5 JR, 93 TA
Critic reviews
"Full bottle 1,297 g. Wax overcap. The Ferrum Chardonnay is sourced from Crystallum’s latest site, situated at 220 m in the Shaw’s Mountain area of the Overberg. The site mirrors the terroir in Hemel-en-Aarde while not technically falling within the region. The climate is marginally more moderate than nearby Kerksaal, being closer to the coast. The wine’s name is derived from the iron-rich shale soils which naturally restrict vigour while allowing for full fruit development. 2025 was a standout vintage, according to winegrower Peter-Allan Finlayson. The grapes were 100% whole-bunch pressed with no additions and left to settle overnight before being transferred to barrel for fermentation by ambient yeasts. The wine then matured for 10 months in the same 300-litre and 500-litre oak barrels, of which 20% were new. TA 5.8 g/l, pH 3.33, RS 2.2 g/l. Vegan. So different from the Clay Shales thanks to the use of smaller oak, giving this an initially richer and creamier aroma, with more bass to the Clay Shales treble. It is a little softer and more approachable, the citrus fruit a touch riper, yet there is still precision and freshness. The oak has also brought a more savoury side to the wine, especially on the finish. More Puligny to Clay Shales’ Chablis, if you don’t object to the comparison. "
Julia Harding, August 2026, JancisRobinson.com

"Ferrum is a comparatively new addition to the Crystallum range, sourced, as its name suggests, from red clay soils on Shaw’s Mountain. Fermented with full malolactic – a Peter Allan Finlayson preference – this has deftly integrated 0% new oak, notes of fennel, juniper and lemongrass and a waft of vanilla spice. Drink: 2027-30"
Tim Atkin, September 2026, TimAtkin.com

Critics

AG
Antonio Galloni, vinous.com
AM
Allan Meadows, Burghound.com
DC
Decanter, Decanter.com
GM
Gus McLean, AbingdonFineWine.com
JA
Jane Anson, JaneAnson.com
JD
Jeb Dunnuck, JebDunnuck.com
JR
Jancis Robinson, JancisRobinson.com
JS
James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com
LPB
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, TheWineIndependent.com
NM
Neal Martin, RobertParker.com
RP
Various, RobertParker.com
TA
Tim Atkin, TimAtkin.com
VM
Various, vinous.com

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