Crystallum
Pinot Noir Collection 2019
Burgundy | South Africa
About the SessionSession 1showcases South Africa's world-class Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, drawn largely from the cool-climate vineyards of Hemel-en-Aarde, Elgin and Stellenbosch. Producers such as Hamilton Russell Vineyards, Crystallum, Newton Johnson and Restless River sit alongside established names like Rustenberg, Tokara and Meerlust, reflecting the strides South African fine wine has made over the past two decades. It's an excellent opportunity to acquire benchmark bottlings from the country's most sought-after estates.
LOT 12
Crystallum
Pinot Noir Collection 2019
About this Item
Crystallum Cuvée Cinéma Pinot Noir 2019 (2 x 750ml)
Crystallum Peter Max Pinot Noir 2019 (2 x 750ml)
Crystallum Mabalel Pinot Noir 2019 (2 x 750ml)
Founded in 2007 by brothers Peter-Allan and Andrew Finlayson, Crystallum is a leading producer of New Wave, Burgundian-inspired Pinot Noir. The drought-affected 2019 vintage, the Cape's smallest crop in years, produced wines of remarkable concentration, freshness and vibrant acidity. This collection includes the single-vineyard Cuvée Cinema (Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, 93 Vinous), Mabalel (Elandskloof, 17++/20 Jancis Robinson; 91 Vinous) and the multi-vineyard Peter Max, enhanced by fruit normally reserved for Bona Fide in 2019 (93 Tim Atkin MW).
Provenance
The late David Brice was a respected wine connoisseur, collector and co-founder of Brice and Burnett – The Fine Wine Specialists (formerly Wine Cellar). His lifelong passion for wine from all corners of the world wine, and generosity, helped develop a culture of fine wine in South Africa and beyond. Always with value and authenticity in mind, the collection spans a wide range of styles from leading producers and diverse regions. The wines were professionally imported under refrigeration and carefully stored at Brice and Burnett (formerly Wine Cellar) thereafter. Many of the producers are not available in South Africa and provide an excellent buying opportunity.
For more detailed information on the lots, please feel free to contact Roland Peens (roland@briceandburnett.co.za). Roland spent many years sharing and enjoying these wines with David Brice and is happy to provide further insight into the collection.
Critics Ratings
Crystallum Cuvée Cinéma Pinot Noir 2019
“The 2019 Cuvée Cinema was fermented using only native yeasts and a 70/30 ratio of whole clusters to whole berries in a stainless-steel tank. The wine was then transferred to barrel, 25% new, where it remained for 11 months before bottling. It has an open and expressive bouquet of pure red cherries, red currant and rose petal aromas, blossoming with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with grippy tannins and wonderful symmetry at play on the precise and almost Morey-Saint-Denis like finish.” - Neal Martin, Vinous, 93/100 (Apr 2021)
Crystallum Peter Max Pinot Noir 2019
“Peter Max is a Pinot for Pinot lovers: a juicy, lip-smacking red that comes from five sources blended for pleasure and consistency. Fermented with 50% whole clusters, it’s supple, bouncy and full of summer berry fruit with the fine tannins of a Chambolle-Musigny and some nuanced oak spice.” - Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2020, 93/100 (Sep 2020)
Crystallum Mabalel Pinot Noir 2019
“Wow, spectacular dark-red fruit here. There’s a smoky, soy sort of note too, and superb length. Floral elements on the finish with dark chocolate and something earthy and fecund too. A great example of bold Pinot with a story to tell.” - Richard Hemming MW, JancisRobinson.com, 17++/20 (May 2021)
“The 2019 Mabalel includes 10% whole clusters and was matured in 20% new oak for 11 months. It has a wonderful bouquet featuring a mixture of red and black fruit, touches of liquorice and menthol emerging with time. The palate is medium bodied with chewy tannins, fine grip and a subtle tobacco note on the finish, which is more austere than I expected. Very fine, but serious.” - Neal Martin, Vinous, 91/100 (Apr 2021)
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