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.
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Critics Ratings
‘Show-stopping, wild-fermented flagship. 2015 from Overberg vines shows purity, vibrant fruit flavours and concentrated richness. 30% new oak gives structure that will last. Class act. 30% whole bunches, as Peter Max.’- Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2017, 4.5*
Subtle, scented and showing the fresh acidity that’s a feature of many Pinot Noirs from the Ridge, this appealing cuvée is fermented with 40% stems. There’s a hint of reduction on the nose, but it adds to the complexity of the raspberry and red cherry flavours.’ - Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2016, 94/100