Crystallum Peter Max Pinot Noir, 2023

Young, fresh, fruit forward, Burgundian style Pinot Noir from South Africa

This beautifully perfumed wine has all the complexity and charm of classic Burgundian Pinot Noir for a fraction of the price. Wonderfully fragrant, red fruit flavours are in abundance with wild strawberry, cranberry, pomegranate and rhubarb. Light earthy undertones with hints of mushroom and liquorice supported by supple tannins and fresh acidity all combine into a wine that is drinking superbly now.

• 92 pts Tim Atkin "First growth quality"
• 90 points Cellar Tracker

Food Pairing: This is a versatile food wine that will work with a range of options. Try Japanese Teppanyaki-style dishes, Lentil burgers, or Coq-Au-Vin. For salads try beetroot and goat’s cheese. Also, think light creamy sauces when cooking

Cellaring: 2022-2030

STORY BEHIND THIS WINE

When brothers Andrew and Peter-Allen Finlayson setup the Crystallum label in 2007 they had a little help in the shape of their father Peter. Rightly considered as a pioneer of Pinot Noir in the region, Peter was the first winemaker with Hamilton Russel and founder of the Bouchard-Finlayson wine cellar. Names all synonymous with great South African wine.
They have a philosophy of modern, low intervention methods balanced with old-world traditions in letting the fruit express itself first and foremost. Peter and Max are the names of the growers who supplied the fruit for the first vintage of this wine. Heritage is clearly an important part of the makeup of this family label. With a focus on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, the Finlayson family have brought a little piece of Burgundy to South African wines and we should all be grateful for that.