Crystallum Peter Max Pinot Noir 2022

Crystallum Peter Max Pinot Noir 2022

 

Zoom Mouse over image to zoom
Crystallum
Peter Max Pinot Noir 2022
  • Vintage : 2022
  • Country : South Africa
  • Region : Walker Bay
  • Subregion
  • Type : Red
  • Style Fruity Medium Bodied
  • Format : 75cl
  • Alcohol : 14°
  • Grappes : 100% Pinot Noir

Crystallum Peter Max Pinot Noir  is not only a testament to South Africa's burgeoning reputation in the world of fine wines but also a symbol of the intricate art of winemaking.

Experts Score Vintage
VN Vinous (Antonio Galloni) 92 2020
TA Tim Atkin 93 2019
W&S Wines & Spirits 90 2019
RP Robert Parker 88 2014
JR Jancis Robinson 16 2014
More information on wine critics and ratings

Named in honor of the first growers, Peter and Max, who contributed fruit for the inaugural vintage, the Crystallum Peter Max Pinot Noir represents the history and evolution of this multi-vineyard blend. The name remains as a tribute to the wine's origins, even as the fruit sources have diversified.

Region and Vineyards: The grapes for this vintage come from the Western Cape of South Africa, a region renowned for its diverse terroirs and microclimates which are highly conducive to cultivating Pinot Noir. These vineyards benefit from the unique coastal influences and varied soil types of the area, contributing to the wine's distinct flavor profile.

Vinification Process: The winemaking approach is a careful blend of tradition and innovation. Around 60% of the grapes were de-stemmed and combined with the rest that were left as whole clusters. This method, coupled with a slow, extended maceration period of four weeks and minimal extraction during active fermentation, ensures a wine with depth and complexity. The wine then aged in lightly toasted French oak barrels (10% new) for nine months and was lightly filtered before bottling.

Tasting Notes:

  • Color: Exhibits a rich red hue.
  • Aroma: The nose is greeted with a medley of cranberry, pomegranate, and bruised strawberry, complemented by hints of rose, rosemary, and fynbos.
  • Palate: The palate offers a darker edge, featuring flavors like olive tapenade and soy, with a hint of grilled meat. The tannins are supple yet structured, with a stemmy, pine-needle grip that adds complexity.

Drinking and Ageing: This wine is accessible now and will continue to improve, reaching its peak in the next 6 to 8 years.

"The finest debut South African Chardonnay and Pinot Noir pair" They are situated in the cool Walker Bay region, on South Africa's south coast around the town of Hermanus in the Hemel en Aarde valley. Production at Crystallum is tiny at the moment. The brother's focus on sustainability runs from the vineyard through to the winery. A new straw bale winery is being built using recycled steel, clay and stone from the property and straw bales from a farm just up the road. They… Read more

Vinous (Antonio Galloni) (VN) : 92 Points (2020)
The 2020 Peter Max felt quite austere on the nose, more so than the 2019 that I had tasted 3-4 days previously. This demands coaxing, eventually revealing brambly red fruit, briar, damp moss and then later hints of morello cherries. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, taut and crisp delivering very pure tart red fruit. This is an attractive "bite" toward the finish, which is structured like a Morey-Saint-Denis, the lingering salinity urging you back. Excellent, but give it a couple of years for the aromatics to fully open.

Tim Atkin (TA) : 93 Points (2019)
Peter Max is a Pinot for Pinot lovers: a juicy, lip-smacking red that comes from five sources blended for pleasure and consistency. Fermented with 50% whole clusters, it's supple, bouncy and full of summer berry fruit with the fine tannins of a Chambolle-Musigny and some nuanced oak spice.

Wines & Spirits (W&S) : 90 Points (2019)

Robert Parker (RP) : 88 Points (2014)
The 2014 Peter Max Pinot Noir comes from four different vineyards - of which two are in Hemel-en-Aarde - includes 20-30% whole bunch fruit and is raised in a judicious 10% new oak; it has plenty of brambly red fruit on the nose, somewhat "airy" in style, not ephemeral but certainly on the lighter side compared to other vintages. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, light red plum and cranberry fruit; it is a little herbaceousness towards the finish that has a Pommard-like character. More early drinking than others, but still well crafted.

Jancis Robinson (JR) : 16 Points (2014)
First year he made it was in 2008 and it's named after his first two (superseded) growers! Four different vineyards mainly Hemel. Different picks, 15% new oak, 10-30% whole bunch. Light ruby. Warm stones on the nose then quite sweet and fresh on the palate. Easy and lively. Maybe not mind blowing.

Crystallum Clay Shales Chardonnay 2022
Crystallum Clay Shales Chardonnay 2022
Crystallum
Clay Shales Chardonnay 2022
RP
92
VN
93
TA
96
Classic flint on the nose with floral, lemon, pear and peach notes. The palate is beautifully balanced with a lovely play between a fruit core and steely backbone. A saline element and succulent,…
46,50 €
Quantity : moins plus
Crystallum The Agnes Chardonnay 2022
Crystallum The Agnes Chardonnay 2022
Crystallum
The Agnes Chardonnay 2022
VN
92
TA
93
W&S
90
The sixth vintage of The Agnes is concentrated and beautifully balanced. The nose is wonderfully expressive with notes of lime, grapefruit, nectarine and ripe peach. The palate is intense and layered…
34,00 €
Quantity : moins plus
Crystallum Bona Fide Pinot Noir 2022
Crystallum Bona Fide Pinot Noir 2022
Crystallum
Bona Fide Pinot Noir 2022
RP
93
Darker and more intense than any other Crystallum Pinot. The heavy soils create stress for the vines resulting in a wine of great concentration and flavour while maintaining freshness and elegance…
49,90 €
Quantity : moins plus
Crystallum Cuvée Cinema Pinot Noir 2022
Crystallum Cuvée Cinema Pinot Noir 2022
Crystallum
Cuvée Cinema Pinot Noir 2022
RP
95
VN
93
TA
95
Crystallum Cuvée Cinema Pinot Noir is a distinguished and luxurious wine, reflecting the unique terroir of South Africa's Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. It is an exquisite choice for connoisseurs and collectors alike
55,00 €
Quantity : moins plus
Crystallum Mabalel Elandskloof Pinot Noir 2022
Crystallum Mabalel Elandskloof Pinot Noir 2022
Crystallum
Mabalel Elandskloof Pinot Noir 2022
VN
91
TA
95
RP
91
Lighter and more feminine than the other Crystallum Pinot Noirs. Dried flower petals, violets and bright cherry notes lead to an elegant and refined palate with very fine tannins and a fresh finish.
51,90 €
Quantity : moins plus
Wine regions guide
39,00 €
Quantity : Moins     Plus
 
 
We also suggest...
South Africa
92+ Robert Parker
Crystallum Bona Fide Pinot Noir 2022
Crystallum Bona Fide Pinot Noir 2022
Darker and more intense than any other Crystallum Pinot. The heavy soils create stress for the vines resulting in a wine of great concentration and flavour while maintaining freshness and elegance…
Bona Fide Pinot Noir 2022
49,90 €
South Africa
93 James Suckling
Hamilton Russell Chardonnay 2022
Hamilton Russell Chardonnay 2022
Chardonnay 2022
49,50 €
New Zealand
95 Wine Enthusiast
Escarpment Martinborough Pinot Noir 2019
Escarpment Martinborough Pinot Noir 2019
Perfume, elegant fruit flavours, and soft ripe tannins are all hallmarks of this exceptional Pinot Noir.
Martinborough Pinot Noir 2019
42,00 €
Australia
95 Wine Enthusiast
Vasse Felix Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Vasse Felix Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
This wine expresses the distinct regional profile of Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon and the site characters it takes from the Vasse Felix vineyards, with a focus on Wilyabrup. It was the first red wine produced in Margaret River and has been made every year since 1972. Cabernet is a robust variety ideally suited to Margaret River’s climate and deep, well-drained soils.
Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
41,00 €
Spain
92 James Suckling
Torres Celeste Crianza 2020
Torres Celeste Crianza 2020
Celeste Crianza 2020
22,90 €
Spain
98 Robert Parker
Descendientes de José Palacios Moncerbal 2021
Descendientes de José Palacios Moncerbal 2021
Moncerbal 2021
145,00 €
Crystallum Peter Max Pinot Noir 2022 Reviewed by Vinous (Antonio Galloni) 16-01-2024 . Score: 4.5