Crystallum new releases

Crystallum, where Peter-Allan Finlayson is chief winemaker, was founded in 2007 when it produced just over four thousand bottles of Sauvignon Blanc. The following vintage saw the introduction of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, the maiden-vintage Cuvée Cinéma Pinot Noir immediately rating 5 Stars in Wine magazine. This label is now firmly entrenched as one of South Africa’s best when it comes to the Burgundian varieties. All new releases R830 a bottle.

Mabalel Pinot Noir 2025
Grapes from Elandskloof. 100% destemmed. Cranberry, cherry, strawberry, a hint of pomegranate, tea leaf and spice on the nose. The palate is medium bodied with fresh acidity with powdery tannins, the finish very dry – tauter and more overtly savoury than usual. Alc: 13.27%.

CE’s rating: 94 | Distinctive

Litigo Pinot Noir 2025
Grapes from Shaw’s Mountain. 50% whole-bunch fermented. Musk, black cherry, plum, a hint of smoky reduction and earth on the nose. The palate is well structured with good fruit weight, fresh acidity and firm but not coarse tannins that ensure a dry finish. Alc: 13.71%.

CE’s rating: 95 | Serious

Cuvée Cinema Pinot Noir 2025
Grapes from Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge. 40% whole-bunch fermented. Red and black cherry, orange, violets and white pepper on the nose. Great fruit definition – succulent yet beautifully poised, bright acidity and chalky tannins. Poised and seamless with a wonderfully persistent finish, dry but not puckering. A wine of great refinement. Alc: 13.45%

CE’s rating: 97 | Classic

Clay Shales Chardonnay 2025
Grapes from Grapes from Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge. Matured for 10 months in a combination of barrel and foudre. The nose shows a touch of flinty reduction that gives way to pear, peach, citrus, and oatmeal. Concentrated fruit with a snappy line of acidity and a pithy, nicely austere finish. Less about being tightly wound – there’s a hidden richness here – and more about being focused and composed. Alc: 13.49%.

CE’s rating: 95 | Serious

Ferrum Chardonnay 2025
Grapes from Shaw’s Mountain. Matured for 10 months in 300- and 500-litre barrels, 20% new. Struck-match reduction before nectarine, lemon, orange, ginger and vanilla on the palate. The palate is luscious and flavourful kept in checky by tangy acidity and a gently savoury finish. None too lean at 13.83% alcohol.

CE’s rating: 95 | Luxurious

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