Crystallum new releases

Providing the foundation of the Crystallum range as made by Peter-Allan Finlayson are The Agnes Chardonnay and the Peter Max Pinot Noir, multi-regional blends that, while made in meaningful quantities, don’t compromise on the label’s high quality credentials. Tasting notes and ratings for the wines from the 2021 vintage as follows:

Crystallum The Agnes Chardonnay 2021
Price: R280
Grapes sourced from Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, Overberg, Elgin and Ceres Plateau. Spontaneously fermented and matured for nine months in 228- and 500-litre oak barrels as well as in foudres. The nose is quite shy although subtle notes of lime, lemon, blossom and some reduction can be detected while the palate has great fruit density and bright acidity before a savoury finish (alcohol: 13.23%). Generous with no loss of focus, production is an impressive 21 586 bottles.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

Crystallum Peter Max Pinot Noir 2021
Price: R310
Grapes from both the Valley and Ridge wards of Hemel-en-Aarde plus the Overbberg and Elandskloof. 50% whole-bunch fermentation. Some smoky reduction before red cherry, musk, earth and spice on the nose while the palate is plush and fruit-forward (alcohol: 13.94%) with moderate acidity and fine, relatively soft tannins. Total production: 27 131 bottles.

CE’s rating: 90/100.

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