2024 Crystallum Clay Shales Chardonnay
£42.00
“Clay Shales has developed a well-deserved reputation as one of South Africa’s finest Chardonnays, a subtle layered wine of great precision and breed. Fermented in 20% Stockinger 600-litre barrels, it’s a class act, with stony, struck match aromas, a waft of cinnamon, lemon butter and oyster shell flavours and a tapering finish.”
96 Points, Tim Atkin MW
“Grapes from Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge. Winemaking as for Ferrum. Aromatics of lemon and orange, with subtle notes of melon, pineapple, and a touch of lees. Hints of vanilla and spice in the background. The palate is full and textured despite an alcohol of just 13.2%, with concentrated fruit, brisk acidity, and a dry, savoury finish.”
95 Points, Christian Eedes, Winemag
Order Any 6+ Bottles For Fast FREE Delivery.
Out of stock
Product Description
Crystallum is a small Hemel-en-Aarde winery, 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 only natural for the brothers to return home and source fruit from the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley to create their own label.
This Chardonnay is grown in the ‘Clay Shales’ single vineyard, the name of which is derived from the soil composition here: predominately clay and shale. This combination allows for optimum fruit development while naturally restricting vigour. The vineyard sits at 300 metres above sea level in the mountains behind the town of Hermanus in the Walker Bay region. Altitude and cooling sea breezes slow down the grape ripening process, resulting in grapes with excellent concentration of flavour balanced by a vibrant acidity.
Additional Information
| ABV | 13% |
|---|---|
| Bottle Size | Bottle 75cl |
| Colour | White |
| Country | South Africa |
| Critic Score | 96/100 |
| Drink until | 2034 |
| Style | Still |
| Sweetness | Dry |
| Vintage | 2024 |
