Crystallum, Cuvée Cinema, Hemel-enAarde Valley, South Africa 2018

Decanter average score: 98/100pts Individual judges’ scores: James Doidge 97 Roger Jones 98 Dirceu Vianna Junior MW 98 £34-£40 Farr Vintners, Handford Wines, Highbury Vintners, Laithwaite’s,

Lay & Wheeler, Roberson Wine, The Wine Society, Vin Cognito

A family-run winery, Crystallum was established in 2007 by brothers Andrew and Peter-Allan Finlayson. Although they began by making Sauvignon Blanc, the winery now produces exclusively Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The Cuvée Cinema Pinot Noir – so named because scenes for a movie based on the life of Napoleon were filmed on the site the year before vines were planted – is sourced from high-density plantings on the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge. Fermented using only native yeasts with a ratio of 30:70 whole clusters to whole berries, the wine is aged for 11 months in 30% new oak before bottling.

James Doidge Pleasing aromas of earth and vanilla, balanced and elegant with red fruit and violets.

Roger Jones Bonfire and classic SA on the palate; smoky bacon and darker red fruits, soft tannin and balance. It’s meaty, deep but all-in, with wonderful texture and handsome style. Fresh, new and exciting.

Dirceu Vianna Junior MW Pure, clear and focused with attractive notes of red forest fruits, dried herbs and sweet spices. On the palate it is youthful and vibrant, with attractive savoury complexity. The overall structure is firm yet sophisticated.

Drink 2020-2027 Alcohol 14%