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.
Provenance
Producer
Critics Ratings
‘Ripe and full-bodied, 2018 has deep perfume of wild strawberries and spice; the fruit is sweet and succulent, lacking some depth but framed by well-paced sappy tannins associated with 100% whole bunch ferment. Oak aged, 20% new. No 2017.’ - Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2021, 4.5* (93/100)
‘There was no 2017 release of this small volume wine, but the thrilling second bottling was well worth waiting for. Made from an equal blend of Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge and Shaw's Mountain fruit, it was fermented with 100% whole bunches to "see where it goes", according to Peter-Allan Finlayson. The result is stunningly good: sappy, savoury and spicy, with layers of complexity, fine oak and tapering, scented finish. Only 1,200 bottles, alas. 2022-27.’ - Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2020, 97/100