'Crystallum are compulsory as reference points to understanding SA Pinot Noir.' – Christian Eedes, Winemag

Dear *|FNAME|*,

Peter-Allan Finlayson was the first Young Gun to take on Pinot Noir. Shortly after his maiden release in 2008, he added Chardonnay to the Crystallum portfolio and has focused exclusively on Burgundian varieties. Always an excellent and interesting set of wines, the skill and ambition of this project is palpable in the 2020 single-vineyard releases.

Established as one of SA's best, most consistent examples of Pinot, the 2020 Cuvée Cinéma (from mature vines) has just joined the select group of local Pinots rated 95 points by Christian Eedes. It is classy and refined, offering good power and detailed tannins.

The 2020 Bona Fide is rich and full with inviting, defined florals, leading to a savoury and intense finish. With more palate structure in this vintage, it is possibly the best Bona Fide so far.

From an Elandskloof vineyard (700m above sea level), the 2020 Mabalel is sensuous and silky with deep, dark fruit. It is a delight and will offer earlier drinking with its softer, rounded mouthfeel and exotic spice notes.

The 2020 Clay Shales, from a 0.5-ha single vineyard in the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, is one of our favourite Chardonnays! The 2020 is wonderfully complex with great fruit purity and a chalky backbone. Produced in minute quantities, it is one of SA's most characterful Chardonnays.

Finally, there's the new 2020 Ferrum Chardonnay sourced from Peter-Allan and Andrew Finlayson's own iron-rich vineyards, just past the Upper Hemel-en-Aarde appellation. It has attractive, delineated fruit with added spice complexity and a viscous, rounded palate.

Please note, quantities are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Reply to this email or visit our website to place your order online.

Vinous regards,

Tasting notes

Crystallum, Cuvée Cinéma Pinot Noir 2020

'Grapes from Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, 60% whole-bunch fermentation. Red and black cherries, beetroot, earth and spice on the nose while the palate is substantial yet seamless – good fruit definition, fresh acidity and smooth tannins. This has weight and texture in the best sense.' – Christian Eedes, Winemag, 95/100

Crystallum, Bona Fide Pinot Noir 2020

'Grapes from Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, 50% whole-bunch fermentation. Haunting aromatics of red cherry, flowers, herbs, spice and white pepper. The palate is spellbinding in the refinement, energy and tension that it shows – the greatest purity, bright acidity and impeccably fine tannins make this a new benchmark for the category in South Africa.' – Christian Eedes, Winemag, 96/100

Crystallum, Mabalel Pinot Noir 2020

'Grapes from Elandskloof, no whole-bunch fermentation. Seductive aromatics of red and black cherry, rose, musk, herbs and a hint of earth while the palate has weight and presence thanks to a dense core of fruit, nicely integrated acidity and powdery tannins. Very appealing in its plushness.' – Christian Eedes, Winemag, 94/100

Crystallum, Clay Shales Chardonnay 2020

'Grapes from Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge. Elusive aromatics of pear, white peach, lemon and talcum powder while the palate is light and elegant – perhaps less concentrated than usual but nice freshness, the finish long and dry.' – Christian Eedes, Winemag, 92/100

Crystallum, Ferrum Chardonnay 2020

'A new wine, grapes from the Shaw’s Mountain area of the Overberg, planted on iron-rich soils and hence the name. Lemon and orange, some waxy, yeasty notes and spice on the nose while the palate is rich and full with well-integrated acidity and a savoury finish. Particularly characterful.' – Christian Eedes, Winemag, 93/100

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