Crystallum Cuvée Cinema Pinot Noir 2023

Crystallum Cuvée Cinema Pinot Noir 2023

 

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Crystallum
Cuvée Cinema Pinot Noir 2023
  • Vintage : 2023
  • Country : South Africa
  • Region : Walker Bay
  • Subregion :
  • Type : Red
  • Style : Fruity Medium Bodied
  • Format : 75cl
  • Alcohol : 14°
  • Grappes : 100% Pinot Noir

Crystallum Cuvée Cinema Pinot Noir 2023 is a captivating single-vineyard expression, embodying the elegance and complexity of South Africa’s Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge. With its vibrant fruit and refined structure, it is a true standout.

Experts Score Vintage
RP Robert Parker 94+ 2023
More information on wine critics and ratings

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.

Robert Parker (RP) : 94+ Points (2023)
Opening to a darker, red-fruited nose, the 2022 Cuvee Cinema Pinot Noir leaps out of the glass with notes of potpourri and black tea with hints of oak spice. Medium-bodied, the palate offers a firm-gripping tannic edge and bright acidity that will either need time or food; I suspect both. It’s still a baby and super tight, so be patient, give it time and start enjoying it in 2025. Just over 5,500 bottles were filled after resting for about a year in all French oak, 25% new. I can see where this is headed, and it’s an absolute crusher of a bottle. Your patience will be rewarded.

Crystallum Peter Max Pinot Noir 2023
Crystallum Peter Max Pinot Noir 2023
Crystallum
Peter Max Pinot Noir 2023
VN
92
W&S
90
TA
93
Crystallum Peter Max Pinot Noir is a vibrant and focused wine, showcasing a rich expression of red fruit complemented by fine tannins and floral nuances.
37,00 €
Quantity : moins plus
Crystallum Clay Shales Chardonnay 2023
Crystallum Clay Shales Chardonnay 2023
Crystallum
Clay Shales Chardonnay 2023
RP
92
VN
93
TA
96
Sourced from a single vineyard in Hemel-en-Aarde, Crystallum Clay Shales Chardonnay showcases a unique expression of its terroir, with layers of complexity and freshness, backed by subtle oak influence.
49,00 €
Sold Out
Crystallum The Agnes Chardonnay 2023
Crystallum The Agnes Chardonnay 2023
Crystallum
The Agnes Chardonnay 2023
VN
92
TA
93
W&S
90
Crystallum The Agnes Chardonnay is a refined and vibrant expression of Chardonnay, offering a poised balance of ripe fruit and elegant acidity.
32,90 €
Sold Out
Crystallum Cuvée Cinema Pinot Noir 2021
Crystallum Cuvée Cinema Pinot Noir 2021
Crystallum
Cuvée Cinema Pinot Noir 2021
VN
93
TA
95
DCT
98
Crystallum Cuvée Cinéma Pinot Noir is a focused and precise expression of Pinot Noir, offering a complex blend of ripe black fruit, spices, and savory nuances, all balanced by a fresh, saline finish.
46,50 €
Quantity : moins plus
Crystallum Mabalel Elandskloof Pinot Noir 2023
Crystallum Mabalel Elandskloof Pinot Noir 2023
Crystallum
Mabalel Elandskloof Pinot Noir 2023
VN
91
TA
95
With its refined tannins and brisk acidity, Mabalel Pinot Noir is a structured and layered wine, perfect for those seeking a bold yet elegant South African Pinot Noir.
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Crystallum Litigo Pinot Noir 2023
Crystallum Litigo Pinot Noir 2023
Crystallum
Litigo Pinot Noir 2023
This single-vineyard Pinot Noir showcases the unique character of the coastal Litigo vineyard, delivering a wine that is fresh, precise, and utterly captivating.
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Crystallum Ferrum Chardonnay 2023
Crystallum Ferrum Chardonnay 2023
Crystallum
Ferrum Chardonnay 2023
Crystallum Ferrum Chardonnay is a vivid and refined single-vineyard Chardonnay, showcasing the unique balance of rich texture and vibrant acidity from the Overberg's iron-rich soils.
49,00 €
Sold Out
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