Brothers Andrew and Peter-Allan Finlayson are the third generation in a family of winemakers, choosing the family business over their backgrounds in architecture (Andrew) and economics (Peter-Allan). They established Crystallum in 2007 and farm five estate vineyards in Cape South Coast. With its cool and elegant flavors, this pinot noir offers new perspectives with every sip. Fermented with some whole clusters (30 percent of the lot), it delivers notes of ground coffee and baked-cherry flavors under bright cranberry tartness. There’s an open woodiness to the tannins that feels refreshing, almost like a crisp, early-morning dew.
95
Crystallum 2018 Western Cape Peter Max Pinot Noir
$38
Every week, our editors highlight a wine that intrigued them in our blind panel tastings, expanding on their tasting note in this space. These are entirely editorial choices; there are no paid placements. Subscribers can also access the original tasting note by searching here.
is the former W&S Tasting Director turned freelance writer for the Vintner Project.
This story appears in the print issue of February 2020.
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