Crystallum Clay Shales

This small winery was established in 2007 by brothers Peter-Allan and Andrew Finlayson. Their father, Peter, was a pioneer in the production of cool-climate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir at Bouchard Finlayson, so after university, it seemed the natural thing for the boys to return home and source some fruit from the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley to start their own label.

Today, Crystallum is one of the most highly regarded wineries in South Africa and is at the forefront of the ‘New Wave’ movement. Peter-Allan is always on the lookout for new vineyards and with each vintage, he strives to make even better wines. The winemaking has evolved over the years and all of the wines are now wild fermented and the use of new oak has been reduced to help the bright fruit shine through.

The single-vineyard ‘Clay Shales’ is in a cool-climate area just outside the Hemel-en-Aarde, which gives the wine lovely acid and balance, while the wild yeast fermentation gives superb texture. Complex and alluring, the nose is floral, and perfumed with apple, peach and butterscotch notes. The palate is beautifully balanced with a full, textured mouthfeel and fine, fresh acidity. This is certainly one of South Africa’s best Chardonnays.