2022 Crystallum, Peter Max Pinot Noir, Western Cape

Colour: Red

Vintage: 2022

Region: Western Cape

% Alcohol: 13.50

Crystallum is Peter-Allan Finlayson’s own wine brand, founded with his brother Andrew, focusing on Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grown in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley and the wider Walker Bay area. Their father was one of the earliest pioneering producers of cool-climate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir at Bouchard Finlayson. Crystallum was conceived when Peter-Allan was still a student in 2004/2005, with his first vintage in 2007 made at Creation. He then shared cellar space with Chris Alheit at Hemelrand, until moving to the Gabriëlskloof winery in 2014. As well as having long-term contracts with growers, they have planted around 7ha of their own vines, now sourcing from around 14ha in total. Peter Max is his multi-vineyard Pinot Noir (named after its growers) and serves as a fantastic introduction to the Crystallum range – the 2022 has wonderful fruit intensity, supple tannins, and a savoury finish.

92 TA

90 NM

2022 Crystallum, Peter Max Pinot Noir, Western Cape

Out of stock

Tasting Notes and Scores

92 TA

Peter Max is Crystallum's entry-point Pinot Noir, as it were, combining components from the Overberg with 15% each from Elandskloof and the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge. Fermented with 10% whole clusters, it's an engaging style with white pepper and rose petal top notes and flavours of red cherry, plum and wild strawberry. 2023-28

Tim Atkin MW

90 NM

The 2022 Peter Max comes from five vineyards and includes 50% whole clusters. It has an open, expressive nose with tart red cherries, raspberry and subtle earthy scents. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly austere tannins on the entry. It’s a classically styled Pinot Noir with a savory finish. Moderate length. 2024-32

Neal Martin