Crystallum Mabalel Elandskloof Pinot Noir 2023

Region and Vineyards

The Mabalel Elandskloof Pinot Noir comes from the high-altitude region of Elandskloof, situated at 700 meters above sea level, making it one of the highest vineyards in the Cape South Coast of South Africa. Nestled within a natural crater-like formation, the vineyard is surrounded by the Cape's tallest peaks, which are frequently blanketed by snow in winter. The unique climate of this elevated site ensures that the Pinot Noir grapes ripen slowly, developing complex flavors and maintaining high acidity.

The soils are a mix of clay, sandstone, and quartz, which contribute to the wine's structure and mineral undertones. This vineyard, with its cool climate and high elevation, is ideal for producing late-ripening Pinot Noir that is elegant and often expresses savory notes, making this wine truly distinctive within the region.

Winemaking

The Mabalel Pinot Noir was crafted with a focus on preserving the purity of the fruit. Unlike some of the other Crystallum wines, this vintage saw the grapes 100% destemmed, which enhanced the wine's finesse and structure. Fermentation was carried out using indigenous yeasts, allowing the wine to develop its unique character naturally. A period of post-fermentation maceration added depth and complexity to the tannic structure.

The wine was aged for 11 months in French oak barrels, with 20-25% new oak, which provided a subtle touch of oak influence without overshadowing the fruit. This careful approach to vinification resulted in a wine that is both layered and refined, highlighting the distinctive terroir of the Elandskloof vineyard.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Vibrant ruby red with a slight translucency typical of Pinot Noir.
• Aroma: Aromatic layers of red plums, candied raspberry, and licorice mingle with earthy, savory notes of sage and herbs.
• Palate: The palate is structured with sappy tannins and a lively acidity that gives the wine a long, refreshing finish. Flavors of ripe red fruit are complemented by an underlying savoriness, offering a harmonious balance between fruit and earthiness.

Did you know?

The Mabalel Elandskloof vineyard is one of the highest in the Cape, and this site is known for its distinctive cool-climate Pinot Noir. Interestingly, it was the first Pinot Noir vineyard to be planted in this valley, marking a pioneering moment for the region. The high altitude and cool conditions mirror those of famous Pinot Noir regions, enabling the Finlaysons to craft a wine that is both elegant and deeply expressive of its terroir.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Duck breast with cherry sauce: The wine's red fruit notes complement the richness of the duck, while the savory elements enhance the sauce’s depth.
• Mushroom risotto: The earthiness of the mushrooms resonates with the wine’s herbal and savory undertones, while the acidity cuts through the richness of the dish.
• Herb-crusted lamb chops: The herbal character of the Pinot Noir is a perfect match for the lamb, with the wine’s acidity balancing the meat's fat.
• Charcuterie platter with cured meats and soft cheeses: The wine’s savory and fruity balance pairs wonderfully with the richness of cured meats and creamy cheeses.

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.