Crystallum new releases

Crystallum, first bottled in 2007, is now unquestionably a category leader in South Africa for both Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Tasting notes and ratings for the new releases as follows:

The Agnes Chardonnay 2024
Price: R375
Grapes from seven different sites planted variously across Shaw’s Mountain (Overberg), Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, Ceres Plateau and Piekenierskloof. Matured in foudre and predominantly older oak. Lemon and orange to the fore on the nose. The palate shows pure fruit – clean, vital, and finishing with a pleasing pithiness. Not especially complex yet shows some weight and is thoroughly delicious. Alc: 13.4%.

CE’s rating: 91/100.

Ferrum Chardonnay 2024
Price: R825
Grapes from what has become officially designated as Shaw’s Mountain this year. Matured for 10 months in 500- and 600-litre barrels, 20% new. Attractive aromatics of flowers, fynbos, pear, citrus and a touch of flinty reduction. The palate is taut and vibrant, delivering pure fruit expression and impressive energy. Light in body, it finishes long and pithy, leaving an overall impression of finesse. Alc: 13.6%.

CE’s rating: 96/100.

Clay Shales Chardonnay 2024
Price: R825
Grapes from Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge. Winemaking as for Ferrum. Aromatics of lemon and orange, with subtle notes of melon, pineapple, and a touch of lees. Hints of vanilla and spice in the background. The palate is full and textured despite an alcohol of just 13.2%, with concentrated fruit, brisk acidity, and a dry, savoury finish.

CE’s rating: 95/100.

Peter Max Pinot Noir 2024
Price: R415
Grapes from seven different vineyards spread across Shaw’s Ridge, Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge and Elandskloof. Approximately 50% whole-bunch fermentation. Matured in mainly older 228-litre barrels. Enticing aromatics of red and black cherry, orange, floral perfume, fynbos, earth and white pepper. The palate shows juicy fruit, big acidity and pleasantly grippy tannins. Remarkably deft, particularly given the sizeable production of 35,000 bottles. Alc: 13.5%.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

Mabalel Pinot Noir 2024
Price: R825
Grapes from Elandskloof. 100% destemmed. The nose is overt with notes of red and black berries, orange and musk. The palate is plush and open – smooth textured, the finish gently savoury. Alc: 13.5%.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

Litigo Pinot Noir 2024
Price: R825
Grapes from Shaw’s Mountain. 75% whole-bunch fermented. Intriguing aromatics of red berries, musk, fynbos, white pepper and a touch of flinty reduction. The palate is lean in the best way – pure fruit, bright acidity and fine tannins. A taut, slightly edgy offering with real focus. Alc: 13.5%.

CE’s rating: 96/100.

Cuvée Cinema Pinot Noir 2024
Price: R825
Grapes from Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge. 60% whole-bunch fermented. The nose reveals red and black cherry with subtle notes of mushroom, earth and oak spice. The palate is substantial and flavourful yet composed – dense fruit, lemon-like acidity and tightly packed tannins, leading to a long, gently savoury finish.

CE’s rating: 96/100.

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