2024 Pinot Noir Mabalel
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Tasting notes
The Crystallum 2024 Elandskloof Mabalel Pinot Noir comes from an inland site roughly 50 kilometers from the ocean at 700 meters elevation, planted on clay with gravelly granite topsoils. Picked about three weeks after Hemel-en-Aarde fruit due to its cooler diurnal shifts, the wine is fully destemmed and matured in small 228-liter Burgundian barrels with 20% new oak. The palate shows brightness and red-fruited clarity, with layered development that gently softens Pinot Noir’s structural edge. The tannins carry quiet depth beneath the surface. Surrounded by wheat fields and far from maritime influence, Elandskloof’s elevation and inland climate contribute tension and purity.
Critic scores
Average Score
Neal Martin
James Suckling
More reviews and scores
Attractive spice aromas in this red, showing nutmeg, cloves, cherries and blood oranges on the nose. Well-integrated on the medium-bodied palate with fine, lightly chalky tannins and bright acidity. Very lively and delicious. Drink or hold. 4,170 bottles produced.
The 2024 Mabalel consists of Pinot Noir from Elandskloof on clay/shale soils that are more weathered than others, matured in 25% new oak. This has an open-knit raspberry and wild strawberry scented bouquet, sous-bois and light fern-like aromas. Quite complex once it gets going. The palate is medium-bodied with finely tuned tannins coupled with a bright acidity. Tensile and with just the right amount of edginess, this cuvée is often one of Peter-Allan Finlayson's strongest cuvées and this year is no different.