Description
The Peter Finlayson Pinot Noir 2022 is a particularly special South African Pinot Noir: the first wine made together by Peter Finlayson and his son Peter-Allan Finlayson, bringing together two generations that have played important roles in establishing the Hemel-en-Aarde as one of South Africa's great Pinot Noir regions. The 2022 is the inaugural vintage under their joint label.
Sourced from the Cuvée Cinema vineyard in the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, the wine is fragrant and finely detailed, with layers of ripe strawberry, raspberry, pomegranate, and cherry joined by dried flowers, earthy spice, clove, cinnamon, and subtle herbal notes. The palate is medium-bodied, fresh, and energetic, with finely textured tannins and an appealing savory quality running beneath the red fruit. Earthy and herbal nuances provide complexity, while bright acidity gives the wine tension and a long, precise finish.
There is also a lovely story behind the bottle. Peter Finlayson was one of the pioneers of cool-climate Pinot Noir in South Africa, particularly through his work at Bouchard Finlayson. Peter-Allan subsequently established Crystallum with his brother Andrew, becoming one of the country's most highly regarded contemporary Pinot Noir producers. This wine brings those two generations together in a single, tiny-production release.
Pair with duck breast, roast chicken, mushroom risotto, pork tenderloin, grilled salmon, or simply prepared lamb.
Sourced from the Cuvée Cinema vineyard in the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, the wine is fragrant and finely detailed, with layers of ripe strawberry, raspberry, pomegranate, and cherry joined by dried flowers, earthy spice, clove, cinnamon, and subtle herbal notes. The palate is medium-bodied, fresh, and energetic, with finely textured tannins and an appealing savory quality running beneath the red fruit. Earthy and herbal nuances provide complexity, while bright acidity gives the wine tension and a long, precise finish.
There is also a lovely story behind the bottle. Peter Finlayson was one of the pioneers of cool-climate Pinot Noir in South Africa, particularly through his work at Bouchard Finlayson. Peter-Allan subsequently established Crystallum with his brother Andrew, becoming one of the country's most highly regarded contemporary Pinot Noir producers. This wine brings those two generations together in a single, tiny-production release.
Pair with duck breast, roast chicken, mushroom risotto, pork tenderloin, grilled salmon, or simply prepared lamb.
The 2022 was made using 100% whole-bunch fermentation, an approach that remains relatively uncommon for Cape Pinot Noir and contributes aromatic complexity, savory spice, freshness, and structure to the finished wine. Tim Atkin specifically highlighted the whole-bunch character when reviewing the wine.
Following fermentation, the wine was matured for approximately 12 months in French oak barrels, 30% new, allowing the oak to provide structure and subtle spice while keeping the purity and perfume of the Pinot Noir at the forefront.
Following fermentation, the wine was matured for approximately 12 months in French oak barrels, 30% new, allowing the oak to provide structure and subtle spice while keeping the purity and perfume of the Pinot Noir at the forefront.
This is less a conventional winery than a father-and-son collaboration between two generations of the Finlayson family.
Peter Finlayson is one of the foundational figures of modern South African Pinot Noir, having pioneered cool-climate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir at Bouchard Finlayson in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. His son, Peter-Allan Finlayson, continued that legacy as co-founder and winemaker of Crystallum, now regarded as one of South Africa's leading producers of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
The 2022 Pinot Noir represents the first time father and son released a wine together under their own names, making it a particularly interesting bottle for collectors of South African Pinot Noir as well as those already familiar with Crystallum and Bouchard Finlayson.
Peter Finlayson is one of the foundational figures of modern South African Pinot Noir, having pioneered cool-climate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir at Bouchard Finlayson in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. His son, Peter-Allan Finlayson, continued that legacy as co-founder and winemaker of Crystallum, now regarded as one of South Africa's leading producers of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
The 2022 Pinot Noir represents the first time father and son released a wine together under their own names, making it a particularly interesting bottle for collectors of South African Pinot Noir as well as those already familiar with Crystallum and Bouchard Finlayson.
