Peter-Allan Finlayson continues to be a pacesetter for SA Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The 2024 Peter Max and Agnes are perfectly judged, multi-vineyard blends from ‘one of South Africa’s most accomplished labels’ (Christian Eedes). We’ve tasted these wines every year since inception, and this is the best release to date.
There are only a handful of great value Pinots in SA and Crystallum’s Peter Max is one of them. Wonderfully elegant, it’s a bestseller, and the 2024 is up in flavour, structure and potential longevity. Sourced from vineyards in the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, Shaw’s Mountain, and Kaaimansgat, it offers accessibility without compromising on complexity, finishing with a chalky texture and great length.
The Agnes Chardonnay 2024 is superb! It’s poised and bright with flinty reduction and pure, delineated fruit and florals – think white fleshy stone fruit, jasmine stem and lemon curd, all markers of a great Chardonnay. The wine hails from vineyards in the Overberg but includes a site in the Ceres Mountains at 700m elevation, which adds freshness and vibrancy to the blend. Reserved but cerebral, it deserves a spot on your table.
Peter-Allan Finlayson was the first Young Gun to take on Pinot Noir. Shortly after his maiden release in 2008, he added Chardonnay to the Crystallum portfolio (which he owns with his brother, Andrew) and has focused exclusively on Burgundian varieties. They source most of their fruit from the cool, maritime Hemel-en-Aarde region but venture further afield when they find exciting sites that bring complexity to their wines.
Tasting Notes:
Crystallum Peter Max Pinot Noir 2024
‘A bestseller year-on-year, the 2024 is up in flavour, structure and potential longevity. Fruit is sourced from the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, Shaw’s Mountain and Kaaimansgat and is beautifully concentrated. It’s red-fruited with lifted florals and packed with flavour. The pinpoint acidity makes this wine so moreish. Ticks all the Pinot boxes and finishes with chalky texture and great length.’ – Lauren Segers, March 2025
Crystallum The Agnes Chardonnay 2024
‘Fruit sourced from around the Overberg, including stunning vineyards on Shaw’s Mountain and Ceres Mountain. Incredible purity of fruit, white fleshy stone fruit, delicate white florals, lime zest and has immense focus. Earlier picking and lots of lees contact results in these building, chalky tannins. There’s verve, brightness, and wonderful balance. I cannot get enough of this Chardonnay.’ – Lauren Segers, March 2025
