{"title":"Crystallum, South Africa","description":"\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"\u003eThese 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 Atkin recently. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003ci\u003e \u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"\u003e “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.” \u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/i\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003cspan style=\"font-size: 9pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"\u003eNeal Martin\u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cspan style=\"font-size: 9pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"\u003e, Vinous.com\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 9pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"\u003e “Some of (if not the) best expressions of the Burgundy grapes being produced in South Africa at the moment.” \u003c\/span\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003cspan style=\"font-size: 9pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"\u003eJamie Goode\u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cspan style=\"font-size: 9pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"\u003e, WineAnorak.com\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003cu\u003e \u003cspan style=\"font-size: 9pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"\u003eThe Pinot Noirs\u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/u\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;\"\u003e'Peter Max' -\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cspan style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;\"\u003e 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. \u003c\/span\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;\"\u003e'Cuvée Cinema'\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cspan style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;\"\u003e - 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. \u003c\/span\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;\"\u003e'Mabalel'\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cspan style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;\"\u003e - 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. \u003c\/span\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;\"\u003e'Litigo'\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cspan style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;\"\u003e - 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. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003cu\u003e \u003cspan style=\"font-size: 9pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"\u003eThe Chardonnays\u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/u\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;\"\u003e'Agnes' -\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cspan style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;\"\u003e Combining fruit from several vineyards, fermentation is done in French oak barrels, and it is aged in oak for a further ten months. \u003c\/span\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;\"\u003e'Ferrum'\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cspan style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;\"\u003e - 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. \u003c\/span\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;\"\u003e'Clay Shales'\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cspan style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;\"\u003e - A 300m altitude single vineyard on clay soil. The altitude ensures maximum freshness, while the clay ensures a long ripening period, giving great concentration.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"crystallum-peter-max-pinot-noir-western-cape-2024-6x75cl","title":"Crystallum 'Peter Max' Pinot Noir 2024","description":"","brand":"LIberty","offers":[{"title":"1 x 75 cl \/ Duty Paid","offer_id":55727073788286,"sku":null,"price":27.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"6 x 75 cl \/ Duty Paid","offer_id":55727062876542,"sku":null,"price":183.53,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"6 x 75 cl \/ In Bond","offer_id":55727067332990,"sku":null,"price":135.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0726\/9020\/4976\/files\/OUTSHINERY-Crystallum-PeterMax-2023_copy_24e96b31-4a38-4f2a-8f39-de036b20e7ea.jpg?v=1768915565"},{"product_id":"crystallum-clay-shales-chardonnay-hemel-en-aarde-2025-6x75cl","title":"Crystallum 'Clay Shales' Chardonnay 2025","description":"\u003ch3\u003ePRODUCER'S NOTES\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eClay Shales Chardonnay is sourced from a single vineyard on the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, a site ideally positioned at high altitude, close to the cooling influence of the ocean and sheltered within a mountain shadow. The wine takes its name from the Bokkeveld shale and clay soils on which the vineyard is planted. Together, these soils provide the foundation for a Chardonnay of remarkable balance, precision and complexity, capable of rivaling some of the world's finest examples.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch4\u003eLatest Release (2025)\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDisplaying all the layers and complexity of the highly acclaimed 2024, with even greater concentration, precision and focus. Aromas of quince, lychee and lemon rind lead into a lavish and expressive palate, revealing notes of lime curd, banoffee pie, Golden Delicious apple and loquat. A striking wet stone minerality provides tension and energy throughout, while the finish unfolds in persistent layers of flavour. A wine with the structure and balance to develop beautifully beyond 2035.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch4\u003eVinification\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe fruit was whole-bunch pressed, with no enzymes, sulphur dioxide or commercial yeasts added at pressing. Following an overnight settling, the juice was transferred to a 2,600-litre foudre, where fermentation and maturation took place over a period of 10 months, allowing the wine to develop texture, complexity and vineyard expression.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"LIB001","offers":[{"title":"6 x 75 cl \/ In Bond","offer_id":57191443628414,"sku":null,"price":195.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"6 x 75 cl \/ Duty Paid","offer_id":57191441793406,"sku":null,"price":255.5,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"1 x 75 cl \/ Duty Paid","offer_id":57242902102398,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0726\/9020\/4976\/files\/OUTSHINERY-Crystallum-ClayShales-2023_copy_da0205da-8be8-44af-9ea2-146b71c4781e.png?v=1774962012"},{"product_id":"crystallum-ferrum-chardonnay-overberg-2025-6x75cl","title":"Crystallum 'Ferrum' Chardonnay 2025","description":"\u003ch3\u003ePRODUCER'S NOTES\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFerrum 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch4\u003eLatest Release (2025)\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eA 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch4\u003eVinification\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"LIB001","offers":[{"title":"6 x 75 cl \/ In Bond","offer_id":57191443988862,"sku":null,"price":195.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"6 x 75 cl \/ Duty Paid","offer_id":57191442645374,"sku":null,"price":256.32,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"1 x 75 cl \/ Duty Paid","offer_id":57242901283198,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0726\/9020\/4976\/files\/OUTSHINERY-Crystallum-FerrumChard-2023_818bca0b-41ef-4c2e-a232-37e5717d78c0.png?v=1774962019"},{"product_id":"crystallum-the-agnes-chardonnay-western-cape-2025-6x75cl","title":"Crystallum 'The Agnes' Chardonnay 2025","description":"\u003ch3\u003ePRODUCER'S NOTES\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAgnes Chardonnay is named in honour of Agnes Floyd, the family's great-grandmother, who arrived in South Africa at the age of just fourteen. Renowned for her strength of character and determination, she is believed to have been the first woman in Cape Town to hold a driving licence. This multi-vineyard blend seeks to reflect those same qualities of resilience and fortitude, with each vineyard parcel contributing its own character and complexity to the finished wine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch4\u003eLatest Release (2025)\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eExpressive and layered, with aromas of verbena, greengage, white peach and butterscotch leading from the glass. The palate is generous yet structured, combining yellow apple, straw and citrus fruit with a lightly chalky texture that lends grip and definition. The finish is long and persistent, revealing hints of buttered croissant alongside a refreshing grapefruit peel acidity that provides both tension and balance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch4\u003eVinification\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe fruit is sourced from carefully selected vineyards across the Hemel-en-Aarde and Overberg regions. Whole grape clusters are transferred directly from harvest to the press, with the juice then settled prior to fermentation. Fermentation and maturation take place in a combination of 228 and 500-litre French oak barrels, together with larger foudres. Naturally fermented, the wine remains on its lees for nine months before bottling. No sulphur dioxide or enzymes are added prior to fermentation, allowing the vineyards to express themselves with clarity and precision.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"LIB001","offers":[{"title":"6 x 75 cl \/ In Bond","offer_id":57191444545918,"sku":null,"price":120.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"6 x 75 cl \/ Duty Paid","offer_id":57191443071358,"sku":null,"price":166.32,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"1 x 75 cl \/ Duty Paid","offer_id":57242900332926,"sku":null,"price":30.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0726\/9020\/4976\/files\/OUTSHINERY-Crystallum-TheAgnes-2023_copy_9f64e738-b78e-44e7-a167-45bc79a50acf.png?v=1774962028"},{"product_id":"crystallum-cuvee-cinema-pinot-noir-hemel-en-aarde-2025-6x75cl","title":"Crystallum 'Cuvée Cinema' Pinot Noir 2025","description":"\u003ch3\u003eProducer's Notes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eScenes from a film based on the life of Napoleon were shot on the Cinéma site the year before vineyards were planted, giving this wine its name. The cuvée is a barrel selection from this single vineyard, one of the finest sites in the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge. The vineyard was meticulously designed to produce Pinot Noir of the highest quality, planted at high density using disease-free Dijon clones.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eLatest Release (2025)\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA coiled and complex expression of this celebrated site. Vivid aromas of rose petals and violets emerge first, followed by strawberry, pink musk, blood orange peel and sumac. Layers of cranberry, black cherry and sweet spice lead into a powerful, structured palate. The finish is focused and persistent, underpinned by a distinctive saline character. Weighty yet beautifully ethereal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eVinification\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe fruit was naturally fermented, with 40% destemmed and the remainder retained as whole clusters. Extraction was deliberately gentle throughout fermentation, with a total of four weeks spent on skins. The wine was then transferred to barrel, 25% of which was new oak, where it matured for 11 months before bottling.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"LIB001","offers":[{"title":"6 x 75 cl \/ Duty Paid","offer_id":57571588637054,"sku":null,"price":293.15,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"6 x 75 cl \/ In Bond","offer_id":57571588669822,"sku":null,"price":225.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0726\/9020\/4976\/files\/OUTSHINERY-Crystallum-CuveeCinema-2022_d61e74fe-6d75-4455-bf8b-ecac0c8916c2.png?v=1781784876"},{"product_id":"crystallum-mabalel-pinot-noir-elandskloof-2025-6x75cl","title":"Crystallum 'Mabalel' Pinot Noir 2025","description":"\u003ch3\u003ePRODUCER'S NOTES\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMabalel takes its name from a poem by the renowned South African writer, naturalist and polymath Eugene Marais. The poem recounts the story of a local chieftain's daughter, Mabalel, who was ambushed while fetching water from the Limpopo River by the crocodile Lalele. The vineyard is planted on Kaaimansgat Farm, which translates as \"Crocodile's Lair\", and a river flows past the site. Situated at an altitude of 700 metres and surrounded by dramatic mountains, whose peaks are often snow-capped during winter, it is one of South Africa's most distinctive vineyard locations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch4\u003eLatest Release (2025)\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePretty, ethereal and highly perfumed. Aromas of raspberry, wild strawberry, tomato leaf and green tobacco lead into a palate that is juicy, supple and finely detailed. Notes of rhubarb, cranberry and orange peel are complemented by a subtle saline freshness on the finish, bringing energy and lift. A linear, precise and elegant expression of the vintage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch4\u003eVinification\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe fruit was naturally fermented with 100% destemmed berries. Extraction was kept deliberately gentle throughout fermentation, with a total of four weeks spent on skins to preserve the vineyard's purity, finesse and aromatic complexity.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"LIB001","offers":[{"title":"6 x 75 cl \/ Duty Paid","offer_id":57571598336382,"sku":null,"price":293.15,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"6 x 75 cl \/ In Bond","offer_id":57571598369150,"sku":null,"price":225.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0726\/9020\/4976\/files\/OUTSHINERY-Crystallum-Mabalel-2023_edit_17d8c452-8913-4fae-8f4b-1d831b267f9b.png?v=1781784885"},{"product_id":"crystallum-peter-max-pinot-noir-western-cape-2025-6x75cl","title":"Crystallum 'Peter Max' Pinot Noir 2025","description":"\u003ch3\u003ePRODUCER'S NOTES\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePeter and Max are the first names of the growers who supplied the fruit for the inaugural vintage of this wine. Although the vineyard sources have evolved over time, the name remains as a tribute to the origins of this multi-vineyard Pinot Noir. The philosophy behind the blend is simple: to combine parcels from different sites to create a wine that is greater than the sum of its parts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch4\u003eLatest Release (2025)\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eA lively and expressive vintage, with freshness and structure derived from 50% whole-bunch fermentation. Aromas of cranberry and pomegranate lead the nose, followed by hints of liquorice and festive spice. The palate is generous and red-fruited, with layers of blueberry and dark chocolate adding depth and complexity. A distinctive wet stone minerality and bright acidity carry through to a long, focused finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch4\u003eVinification\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe fruit was naturally fermented, with 50% destemmed and the remainder retained as whole clusters. Extraction was kept deliberately gentle throughout fermentation, with a total of four weeks spent on skins to preserve freshness, aromatic complexity and vineyard character.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"LIB001","offers":[{"title":"6 x 75 cl \/ Duty Paid","offer_id":57571598696830,"sku":null,"price":202.32,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"6 x 75 cl \/ In Bond","offer_id":57571598729598,"sku":null,"price":150.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0726\/9020\/4976\/files\/OUTSHINERY-Crystallum-PeterMax-2023_copy_ecfde0e5-e4b6-4903-95de-01c1e8ad5647.jpg?v=1781784894"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0726\/9020\/4976\/collections\/Crystallum_2_009_f023c9e4-92de-466d-a293-e0ac4b99b797.jpg?v=1753715350","url":"https:\/\/abingdonfinewine.com\/collections\/crystallum-south-africa.oembed","provider":"Abingdon Fine Wine Ltd","version":"1.0","type":"link"}