A benchmark single-vineyard Pinot Noir from Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge

The Crystallum Cuvée Cinéma Pinot Noir 2025 is a selection of the finest barrels from a remarkable single vineyard in Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge. Named after the site where scenes from a film based on the life of Napoleon were once shot, the vineyard was later meticulously planted with high-density, disease-free Dijon Pinot Noir clones to produce wines of exceptional quality. Crafted by Peter-Allan Finlayson, one of South Africa's leading Pinot Noir producers, the wine is naturally fermented using 40% destemmed fruit and 60% whole bunches before maturing for 11 months in French oak, 25% of which is new. The result is a Pinot Noir of remarkable precision, complexity and ageing potential.

Tasting notes: A beautifully perfumed nose reveals rose petals, violets and wild strawberries, layered with pink musk candy, blood orange peel and fragrant sumac. The palate is both powerful and graceful, unfolding with flavours of cranberry, black cherry and sweet baking spices. Fine, grippy tannins provide impressive structure, while a distinctive saline minerality carries through to a long, focused finish. Despite its concentration, the wine remains wonderfully lifted and ethereal, promising exceptional development with careful cellaring.

Food pairing: A world-class Pinot Noir that deserves elegant, thoughtfully prepared cuisine. Duck: Roast duck breast with a cherry or cranberry glaze beautifully complements the wine's bright red fruit and silky texture. Game Birds: Roast quail or guinea fowl highlight its floral aromatics and savoury complexity. Mushroom Dishes: Wild mushroom risotto, truffle pasta or mushroom tart mirror the wine's earthy undertones and layered palate. Pork Dishes: Herb-crusted pork tenderloin or roast pork with a cherry reduction pairs effortlessly with its fine tannins and vibrant acidity. 

ANALYSIS: ALC 13.45% | TA 5.4 g/L | pH 3.67 | RS 2.5 g/L