Crystallum new releases

Crystallum, as made by Peter-Allan Finlayson, is now well established as one of South Africa’s most accomplished labels when it comes to the Burgundian varieties of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Tasting notes and ratings for the newly released single-vineyard wines from the 2023 vintage as follows:

Ferrum Chardonnay 2023
Price: R734

Grapes from what is provisionally called Shaw’s Mountain just outside the ward of Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge. Matured for 10 months in 300- and 500-litre barrels, 20% new. Forthcoming aromatics of lime, lemon and some struck-match reduction. Excellent fruit density, lively acidity and a pithy finish. Vivid and direct. Alc: 13.38%.

CE’s rating: 95/100.

Clay Shales Chardonnay 2023
Price: R734
Grapes from Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge. Matured for 10 months in a 2,600-litre foudre. Complex aromatics of pear, peach, citrus, oatmeal, nuts and spice. The palate is rich in the best sense, possessing both weight and texture, the acidity well integrated. Plenty of detail, the finish long ans savoury. Alc: 13.71%.

CE’s rating: 96/100.

Mabalel Pinot Noir 2023
Price: R734
Grapes from Elandskloof. 100% destemmed. Matured for 11 months in barrel, 20% new. Red cherry, strawberry, musk and cured meat on the nose. The palate is rich and flavourful (alc: 13.4%) with moderate acidity and fine, lightly spicy tannins – already approachable.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

Litigo Pinot Noir 2023
Price: R734
Grapes from Shaw’s Mountain. 75% whole-bunch fermented, matured for 11 months in French and Hungarian oak barrels, 30% new. Red cherry, raspberry, floral perfume, fynbos and a hint of earth on the nose. The palate is taut and focussed – pure fruit, snappy acidity and powdery tannins, the finish super-dry.  Alc: 13.71%.

CE’s rating: 96/100.

Cuvée Cinema Pinot Noir 2023
Price: R734
Grapes from Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge. 65% whole-bunch fermented, matured for 11 months in barrel, 25% new. Red and black cherry, spice, earth and a touch of flinty reduction. The  palate shows great structure and balance – good depth of fruit, bright acidity and tannins that are firm and densely packed. Layered, long and savoury, this seems particularly age-worthy. Alc: 14.08%.

CE’s rating: 96/100.

The two multi-vineyard wines in the portfolio, namely The Agnes Chardonnay and Peter Max Pinot Noir, both rated 91 earlier in the year – see here.

Check out our South African wine ratings database.