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.
Bona Fide is the Latin term for "In good trust" which refers appropriately to our relationship with the owners of the vineyards, the Lötter family, which extends back 30 years. It is only through a relationship based on complete trust that the resulting wine will do justice to this special site.
Provenance
Producer
Critics Ratings
‘‘Lots of vibrancy to the 2016, showing mint and pepper along with juicy strawberry and cherry fruit. Linear and steely on the palate, picking up slightly unripe strawberries and slight stalky spice. Savoury tail. Not the best of the range, but a welcome and interesting variation. ‘ - Higgo Jacobs (Feb 2022)
Voluptuous 2016 thrilling juxtaposition fruit-sweet richness and vibrant acidity; the long savoury, fynbos finish the final note to holistic, harmonious glassful. Early ripening Hemel-en-Aarde Valley vineyard, 50% whole bunch, but 10% less new oak (20%) than 2015.’ - Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2018, 4.5* (93/100)
‘Bona Fide comes from the Vrede vineyard, where Hannes Storm also buys Pinot Noir fruit, and is the most structured of the Crystallum Pinots, despite the young age of the vines, seeing 50% whole bunches and 20% new oak. Rich, textured and spicy with real va-va-voom. 2018-26.’ - Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2017, 96/100