Dear *|FNAME|*,

Peter-Allan Finlayson continues to 'set the pace for top-end Chardonnay and Pinot noir', says Christian Eedes. Since inception, Crystallum's single vineyards have been highly regarded – and for good reason. Their distinctive character sets them apart, reflecting true winemaking virtuosity.

From an Elandskloof vineyard (700 metres above sea level), the Mabalel 2021 is 'sumptuous with creamy texture' and offers earlier drinking pleasure with its supple tannins and seductive aromatics.

Trumping last year's stellar release, the 2021 Bona Fide – from the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley – is rich and full with inviting, defined florals and a savoury, textured finish. Full of focus, power and purity, it's best enjoyed after a few years in the cellar.

The 2021 Cuvée Cinéma grows in stature with each release. From the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, it has once again joined the select group of Pinots that are rated 95+ by Christian, who calls it 'a wine of remarkable definition and drive'. A firm favourite at Wine Cellar!

The 2021 Clay Shales, from a 0.5-hectare single vineyard in the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, is always one of our best-loved Chardonnays with its big personality and textured palate. Unfortunately, volumes are seriously down this vintage and the wine is fully allocated.

Finally, the 2021 Ferrum Chardonnay is captivating. This is only the second release from Peter-Allan and Andrew Finlayson's own iron-rich vineyards. Flinty reduction, white stone fruit and citrus aromatics lead to a palate that has great fruit linearity, with a savoury, salty finish. 

Reply to this email or visit our website to place your order online.

Vinous regards,

Tasting notes

Crystallum, Ferrum Chardonnay 2021

‘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.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 97/100

Crystallum, Mabalel Pinot Noir 2021

‘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.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 94/100

Crystallum, Bona Fide Pinot Noir 2021

‘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.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 96/100

Crystallum, Cuvée Cinéma Pinot Noir 2021

‘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.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 96/100

Crystallum, Clay Shales Chardonnay 2021

‘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.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 94/100

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