Crystallum 2023s

2023 Litigo Pinot Noir, Crystallum, Western Cape Dry | Red | Still | 13.5%

Tiny quantities are made of this, from just outside Hemel-en-Aarde ridge. It's cool-fruited, with sappy tannins, and a long, savoury finish. Very delicate and well-judged.

Young: 2026 - 2037

2023 Peter Max Pinot Noir, Crystallum, Walker Bay Dry | Red | Still | 14%

The Peter Max Pinot Noir is the introduction to the estate. It comes from five different plots, from different regions, and its name honours the first growers to sell grapes for the wine (the sources have since changed). Crunchy and red fruited, there's a lot of purity here, with loads of red fruit. It's delicious Pinot.

Ready: 2024 - 2029

2023 Cuvée Cinema Pinot Noir, Crystallum, Walker Bay Dry | Red | Still | 13.5%

The vineyard takes its name from from the final use for the land before vineyards were planted: to shoot a film about Napoleon. Here, clay and iron rich soils with schist, just 6km from the ocean give plenty of structure. Notes of pomegranate, and also dark berry fruit, swirl from the glass. Wonderfully judged.

Young: 2026 - 2037

2023 Single Vineyard 'Mabalel' Pinot Noir, Crystallum, Walker Bay Dry | Red | Still | 13%

Malabel, was added in 2013. This is in the Elandskloof, on a farm that Peter-Allan’s dad started working with in the 1990s. Here, there’s more sand in the soil, and at 700 metres of altitude, this is delicate and floral, with lots of savoury complexity, and a very long finish.

Young: 2026 - 2037

2023 Agnes Chardonnay, Crystallum, Walker Bay Dry | White | Still | 13.5%

The Agnes Chardonnay honours Peter-Allan’s grandmother, who arrived in South Africa at the age of 14, and is a blend of different vineyards, from across the Cape. This is taut and very fine-boned. A delicious Chardonnay.

Ready: 2024 - 2028