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
In a October 2019 Decanter panel tasting of New World, single-vineyard Pinots, the 2018 Crystallum Cuvée Cinéma came out on top with 98 points. Out of the 100 wines tasted, it was the only wine to be rated ‘exceptional’.
The Decanter judges say that for them, ‘a single vineyard is the New World version of a climat in Burgundy’ and singled out Hemel-en-Aarde and Elgin for producing ‘consistently high quality’ wines. This wonderful, finely-crafted Pinot best expresses Peter-Allan Finlayson’s vision and is firmly ensconced as one of SA’s best. The 2018 has attractive, rich notes over earthy complexity and a sumptuous, sensual palate.
‘These are some of South Africa’s finest Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays. Attesting to that was the fine performance of his wine when served against the likes of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti… these wines are highly recommended, although quantities remain frustratingly small.’ – Neal Martin
'Pleasing aromas of earth and vanilla, balanced and elegant with red fruit and violets.'– James Doidge, Decanter, Oct 2019, 97/100
'Bonfire and classic SA on the palate; smoky bacon and darker red fruits, soft tannin and balance. It’s meaty, deep but all-in, with wonderful texture and handsome style. Fresh, new and exciting.' – Roger Jones, Decanter, Oct 2019, 98/100
'Pure, clear and focused with attractive notes of red forest fruits, dried herbs and sweet spices. On the palate it is youthful and vibrant, with attractive savoury complexity. The overall structure is firm yet sophisticated.' – Dirceu Vianna Junior MW, Decanter, Oct 2019, 98/100
'Raspberry cordial, red currant liqueur, sloe berries and rosewater. Quite heady on aromatics leading into ripe red fruit, integrated oak and polished tannins on the palate. Still very young and expressive, showing the lasting freshness of the Hemel& Aarde Ridge appellation. ‘ - Higgo Jacobs (Feb 2022)
‘From Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, 2018 Pinot at its alluring, scented best; exotic note in its dark cherry and spice. Great depth of flavour, silky texture supported by complementary structure, freshness. Equal parts bunch and wholeberry pressed, 25% new oak.’ - Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2020, 4.5* (94/100)
‘As he is for Crystallum's Clay Shales Chardonnay, André de Lange supplies the grapes for this superb Pinot Noir. With 50% whole bunches, 30% new wood and the freshness and perfume that are typical of wines from the Ridge, this has notes of cinnamon spice, rose petal and wild strawberry and a refreshing, saline undertone. 2020-28.’ - Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2019, 95/100
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