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
‘The introduction of whole cluster fermentation from Peter Allan in 2016 expresses in mint, red berries and floral perfume on the nose. Lots of spice and inner perfume on the palate, almost a-typical in its flavour profile, but see it as an interesting and alluring expression of new world Pinot, in early stage of development. ‘ - Higgo Jacobs (Feb 2022)
'Show-stopping, wild-fermented (as all) flagship from low-vigour Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge single vineyard on clay and shale. 2016 pure and vibrant, with fine tannins and silky texture, structure from 30% new oak and slightly more whole bunches than last (40% vs 30%) for longevity.’ - Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2018, 4.5*
‘Picked earlier than his other Pinots as a rule, Cuvée Cinéma comes from the Hemel en Aarde Ridge and sees 30% whole bunches. Tangy, refreshing and well balanced, with floral aromas, subtle oak, some pepper spice and acidity that lifts the finish. 2018-25.’ - Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2017, 95/100
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