Crystallum Wines, Newton Johnson Vineyards and Storm Wines
Live Virtual Auction, 3 April 2022
Session 1
Incl. Buyer's Premium & VAT
About this Item
Based in the Walker Bay region of South Africa, Crystallum is run by brothers Peter-Allan and Andrew Finlayson, 3rd-generation winemakers who focus on Burgundy varieties. Within only a little over 15 years (interestingly the first vintage was a singular Sauvignon in 2007!) this outfit has positioned itself as one of the top proponents of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in South Africa. Awards locally and internationally are in fact unrivalled, and the wines are sold out every year on release.
Scenes from a movie based on the life of Napoleon were shot on the Cinéma site the year before vineyards were introduced, which gave this wine its name. This Cuvée is a selection of barrels made from said single vineyard, a premium site in the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge that was meticulously designed to produce the highest quality Pinot Noir with the planting of high density vines using disease-free Dijon clones.
Critics Ratings
‘Blousy, youthful fruit perfume with herbal notes and forest floor complexity. Firm structure and elegance retained on the palate, having aged with grace and still showing more potential. Balanced and accessible now, with primary fruit still intact, but will also reward further cellaring. ‘ - Higgo Jacobs (Feb 2022)
'Jaw-dropping perfumed grace on the 2014 from single Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge parcel. Displays a fine combination of richness and delicacy. Pure fruit and silky texture give early charm; structure bodes well for future enjoyment. Natural ferment, as all.’ - Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2016, 4.5*
‘The densest and most deeply coloured of Crystallum’s Pinots, this is what Peter-Allan Finlayson refers to as “the big daddy”. With high density planting, 30% whole bunches and super texture, this is a subtly oaked, balanced wine showing the guts and dark fruit of a Pommard.’ - Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2015, 94/100
Provenance
Producer
Other lots that might interest you
