Crystallum 2023 Releases
These are, without doubt, the best Pinot Noirs I've tasted from South Africa. South Africa's evolution as a source of truly fine wine has been astonishing over my career, from memories of over-extracted Pinotage to these incredibly elegant, refined Pinot Noirs. Established as recently as 2007 by brothers Peter-Allan and Andrew Findlayson in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, south east of Cape Town, they are already established as one of the country's finest. Indeed, Peter-Allan was awarded South African Winemaker of the Year by Tim Aktin recently.
“These are some of South Africa's finest Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays. Attesting to that was their fine performance when served against the likes of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti.”
Neal Martin , Vinous.com
“Some of (if not the) best expressions of the Burgundy grapes being produced in South Africa at the moment.”
Jamie Goode , WineAnorak.com
The Pinot Noirs
'Peter Max' - Sourced from five vineyards using 50% whole bunch and using indigenous yeast. Benefitting from coastal breezes, this is a fresh Pinot, aged for nine months in French oak.
'Cuvée Cinema' - This is from a single-site 300m above sea level, fermented in stainless steel using 60% whole bunch. It is aged for 11 months in 228-litre French oak barrels.
'Mabalel' - From a high altitude (700m) single vineyard in Villiersdorp resembling a volcanic crater, with sandstone and quartz giving a more elegant, savoury Pinot Noir. It is 100% destemmed and spent 11 months in primarily old oak barrels.
'Litigo' - A coastal vineyard consisting of shale and clay, it's south-facing, meaning greater shade and cooler temperatures, giving a more elegant, aromatic style with minimal new oak for 11 months.
The Chardonnays
'Agnes' - Combining fruit from several vineyards, fermentation is done in French oak barrels, and it is aged in oak for a further ten months.
'Ferrum' - From an iron-rich shale vineyard close to the coast, meaning low-yielding vines of great intensity and acidity. It has a lovely smoky undertone.
'Clay Shales' - A 300m altitude single vineyard on clay soil. The altitude ensures maximum freshness, while the clay ensures a long ripening period, giving great concentration.
