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
‘Depending on personal preference of course, perhaps the sweet spot for drinking Crystallum Pinot is around 5 years, while it boasts all the vibrancy and generous fruit freshness, integrated the oak and having developed just a hint of earthy complexity and soft tannins. This is super young, but very delicious now. A personal favourite. ‘ - Higgo Jacobs (Feb 2022)
Tension and vibrancy clues to cool elevated Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge source. 2017 has mouthwatering fruit purity and depth, silky texture complemented by secure structure, auguring well for long ageing. 50% whole bunches (40% in 2016 (4.5 stars, 93 pts)) & 30% new oak augment superb quality.’ - Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2019, 5* (95/100)
‘Made with fruit from a remarkable, high-density vineyard on the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, this is a supremely elegant, nuanced expression of Pinot Noir, with pot pourri and rose petal scents, some pepper spice from 50% stems and a focused, refreshing finish. Brilliant winemaking. 2019-25.’ - Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2018, 95/100
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