Crystallum new releases

When it comes to top-end Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Peter-Allan Finlayson of Crystallum has been one of the pacesetters ever since his maiden-vintage Cuvée Cinéma 2008 rated 5 Stars in the May 2010 issue of Wine magazine. Tasting notes and ratings for the new releases as follows:

Crystallum Clay Shales Chardonnay 2021
Price: R606
Grapes from Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge. Citrus, a hint of oatmeal and some leesy complexity on the nose. The palate is opulent and rich with impressive depth of fruit and smoothness of texture. A luscious, luxurious wine with coated acidity and a gently savoury finish.

CE’s rating: 94/100.

Crystallum Ferrum Chardonnay 2021
Price: R606
Grapes from the Shaw’s Mountain area of the Overberg, planted on iron-rich soils and hence the name. Subtle and alluring aromatics – some struck-match reduction, blossom and herbs before pear, white peach and citrus. The palate shows pure fruit, bright acidity and a saline finish. Linear and tense but not skeletal.

CE’s rating: 97/100.

Crystallum Mabalel Pinot Noir 2021
Price: R606
Grapes from Elandskloof, no whole-bunch fermentation. Some smoky reduction before red and black cherry, ripe orange, violets, a slight herbal note and white pepper. The palate is rich and round – good fruit expression, well integrated acidity and very fine tannins. A sumptuous wine with a creamy texture.

CE’s rating: 94/100.

Crystallum Bona Fide Pinot Noir 2021
Price: R606
Grapes from Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, 70% whole-bunch fermentation. Dark cherry, cassis, an attractive herbal note and white pepper on the nose while the palate has excellent fruit concentration, fresh acidity and grippy tannins – lovely clarity and energy, the finish long and dry. Not without power, this has a winning quirkiness about it.

CE’s rating: 96/100.

Crystallum Cuvée Cinéma Pinot Noir 2021
Price: R606
Grapes from Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, 60% whole-bunch fermentation. Enticing aromatics of red and black cherry, rose, fynbos and a little earthiness. The palate is delicate and precise – striking fruit purity, bright acidity and powdery tannins. A wine of remarkable definition and drive.

CE’s ratings: 96/100.

See reviews for The Agnes Chardonnay 2021 and Peter Max Pinot Noir 2021 here.

Check out our South African wine ratings database.