Crystallum Cuvée Cinema Pinot Noir 2023

Region and Vineyards

Cuvée Cinema is sourced from a single vineyard in the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, a sub-region of Walker Bay on South Africa’s Cape South Coast. Situated at an altitude of 300 meters, the vineyard enjoys a cool southeast-facing slope, moderated by coastal breezes from Walker Bay. These conditions ensure slower ripening, preserving freshness and enhancing complexity.

The vineyard is planted with Dijon clones at high density on clay and shale soils, which naturally limit vine vigor and reduce yields, allowing for optimal flavor concentration. The 2023 vintage experienced a challenging growing season, with a dry and warm start followed by cool, wet weather in mid-December. Sporadic rainfall in February had minimal impact, and the resulting wines are focused and precise, with a riper fruit profile compared to previous vintages.

Winemaking

Cuvée Cinema 2023 was fermented in stainless steel tanks using only indigenous yeasts, reflecting Crystallum’s commitment to natural winemaking. 60% of the fruit was left as whole clusters, enhancing structure and aromatic complexity.

The wine was then aged for 11 months in 228-liter old French oak barrels, reducing the influence of new oak to allow the purity of the fruit to shine. This meticulous vinification process preserves the wine’s vibrant character while adding depth and finesse.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Bright ruby red with a luminous clarity.
• Aroma: Pronounced notes of brambles, black cherry, and spices, with hints of aniseed and a savory edge.
• Palate: Elegant tension and phenolic grip lead to plush red fruit flavors, including wild strawberries and pomegranate, complemented by savory undertones of tomato leaf. The spicier vintage finishes with a refreshing salinity.

Did you know?

The name Cuvée Cinema is inspired by the single vineyard’s proximity to a historic open-air cinema in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, connecting the wine to the region’s cultural and natural heritage.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Duck breast with cherry reduction: The wine’s bramble and cherry notes complement the rich flavors of duck and the tangy sweetness of the sauce.
• Mushroom and thyme tart: The savory undertones and elegant structure balance the earthy flavors of the mushrooms.
• Seared tuna with sesame and soy glaze: The wine’s saline finish and red fruit vibrancy pair beautifully with the umami richness of the tuna.
• Aged Gruyère cheese: The wine’s acidity and spice accentuate the nutty, creamy character of the cheese.

History of Crystallum Estate

Crystallum was founded in 2007 by brothers Peter-Allan and Andrew Finlayson, who hail from a family deeply rooted in the South African wine industry. Their father, Peter Finlayson, was a pioneer in the production of cool-climate wines in South Africa, particularly at Bouchard Finlayson, where he established a reputation for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Following in their father’s footsteps, Peter-Allan and Andrew ventured into winemaking after university, sourcing fruit from some of the most prestigious vineyards in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley.

From humble beginnings, Crystallum quickly gained recognition for producing world-class wines. Peter-Allan Finlayson, who has since taken on the role of head winemaker, has been instrumental in evolving the winery’s style. His focus has always been on minimal intervention and allowing the vineyard’s natural character to shine through in every bottle. Today, Crystallum is one of South Africa’s most highly regarded boutique wineries, exporting its wines to wine lovers and collectors around the world.

Region and Vineyards

Crystallum’s wines are primarily sourced from the Hemel-en-Aarde region, a part of South Africa’s Cape South Coast that is renowned for its cool, maritime climate. This region is ideal for growing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, due to its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, which moderates the temperature and extends the grape ripening period.

The vineyards are located on a mix of clay, shale, and quartz soils, each of which contributes to the complexity and structure of the wines. The Clay Shales vineyard, a single-vineyard site used for one of Crystallum’s most famous Chardonnays, sits at an altitude of 300 meters, benefiting from cooling sea breezes that preserve the freshness and natural acidity in the grapes. The careful selection of vineyard sites ensures that Crystallum’s wines are both expressive of their terroir and structured for ageing.

Wine Range

Crystallum is best known for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The winery produces several single-vineyard wines, each showcasing the unique characteristics of their respective sites. Among their standout wines are:

• Clay Shales Chardonnay: A single-vineyard Chardonnay known for its rich texture and vibrant acidity, reflecting the influence of the clay and shale soils in which the vines are grown.
• Cuvée Cinéma Pinot Noir: Sourced from a high-altitude vineyard, this Pinot Noir is renowned for its bright red fruit, savory complexity, and fine tannic structure.
• Bona Fide Pinot Noir: A delicate, refined Pinot Noir with savory and earthy notes, balanced by bright fruit and a persistent finish.
• Peter Max Pinot Noir: A vibrant and fruit-driven wine with a fine balance between acidity and tannin, representing the cool-climate style of the Hemel-en-Aarde region.

All Crystallum wines are fermented using indigenous yeasts and aged in French oak barrels, with a focus on subtle oak influence to allow the natural fruit expression to shine through.

Did you know?

Crystallum’s winemaker, Peter-Allan Finlayson, is part of one of South Africa’s most illustrious wine families. His father, Peter Finlayson, was the first winemaker in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, making him a trailblazer in the production of cool-climate wines in South Africa. Peter-Allan and Andrew’s decision to follow in their father’s footsteps while carving their own identity with Crystallum has been widely praised in the wine world.