Crystallum Peter Max Pinot Noir 2018
- Region
- South Africa » WO Western Cape
- Type
- red still, dry
- Producer
- Vintage
- 2018
- Grapes
- Pinot Noir
- Alcohol
- 13.5
- Sugar
- 2.4
- Volume
- 750 mL
- Cellar
- not available
- Find at
The inaugural vintage of this multi-vineyard Pinot Noir blend pays homage to its origins through its name, derived from the first names of the initial growers, Peter and Max. Despite the evolution of its fruit sources over time, the name persists as a tribute to the wine's roots. The crafting philosophy of this blend is rooted in the harmonization of distinct batches, each contributing unique characteristics to create a complex, cohesive whole. This approach reflects a meticulous blending process, aiming to produce a wine that transcends the individual qualities of its components, embodying a synergy that elevates the final product.
This wine is naturally fermented, with 70% of the fruit de-stemmed and the remainder left as whole clusters. The fermentation takes place in small stainless steel tanks, and during active fermentation, extraction is minimized. The wine spends a total of four weeks on the skins. Post-fermentation, it is aged in French oak barrels for 11 to 16 months before bottling.
Ratings
This wine offers a charming mix of underbrush and fried sunflower seeds, complemented by red flowers, red fruits, and subtle animal notes. Delicate, fresh and round, it may lean slightly towards watery but makes up for this with pleasant minerality and persistence.
Ooooh, the bottle was spoiled! Wait, I am not going to rate a wine that suffered from storage conditions. Luckily, we got a replacement.
This wine presents a pleasant bouquet of rose-flavoured Turkish delight, red berries, underbrush, and fried sunflower seeds, complemented by dog rose tea and subtle animal farm notes. It strikes a balance between roundness and minerality, freshness and delicacy, with a slightly jammy character. The long aftertaste adds to its appeal. An excellent value; best enjoyed now.
One of those cases where I can't make a mere sip and fight for the right to finish the bottle. Yet it's sad, cause it's not available anymore in my local store. The first thing to notice is the pale colour of the wine. Apparently, caused by gentle extraction. A beautiful bouquet of fried sunflower seeds, raspberry, strawberry, dark chocolate, spices and gouache. Delicate on the palate, juicy and almost perfectly balanced with good acidity and velvety tannins. It is also flavourful and has a long-lasting aftertaste. To summarize, it is approachable and delicious Pinot Noir, stylistically closer to Bourgogne with a ripe twist.