Crystallum - Pinot Noir Peter Max 2020

Crystallum is a family-run and privately-owned winery based in the Walker Bay region of South Africa.

Brothers Andrew and Peter-Allan are the third generation of Finlayson winemakers and sons of the man who pioneered Pinot Noir winemaking in the Hemel-en-Aarde region. Andrew is an architect by training and Peter-Allan a student of philosophy and economics, but it didn’t take long for the lure of wine to take effect, with Andrew drawn to the vineyards and Peter-Allan to the cellar.

The company 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 and Crystallum now produces these Burgundian varieties exclusively, making up its collection with multi-vineyard blends and single-vineyard wines.

Cranberry, pomegranate and bruised strawberry on the nose as well as rose, rosemary and fynbos. The palate shows a darker edge, featuring olive tapenade and soy as well a hint of grilled meat. The tannins are supple but, with a stemmy, pine-needle grip that adds structure along with a fresh acid, this wine is accessible now and will improve through 2030.

"Quite austere on the nose... This demands coaxing, eventually revealing brambly red fruit, briar, damp moss and then later, hints of morello cherries. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, taut and crisp, delivering very pure tart red fruit. There is an attractive “bite” toward the finish, which is structured like a Morey-Saint-Denis, the lingering salinity urging you back. Excellent." - 92 Points, Vinous

Producer: Crystallum

Country: South Africa

Region: Western Cape

Varietal: Pinot Noir

Appellation: Western Cape

Vintage: 2020

Size: 750ml