Producer. Crystallum is the Hemel-en-Aarde label of brothers Peter-Allan and Andrew Finlayson, founded in 2007 and focused only on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Alongside the multi-vineyard Peter Max, Peter-Allan makes a small line of single-vineyard wines, one site per bottle.
Vineyard. Mabalel comes from the Kaaimansgat farm in the inland Elandskloof valley, at around 700 metres and ringed by mountains that are often snow-capped in winter. Large day-night temperature swings mean the grapes ripen late. Kaaimansgat means "crocodile's lair", and the wine is named after a poem by the South African writer Eugene Marais.
Style. 100% Pinot Noir. Light on its feet, with fine tannins and bright acidity.
Vintage. 2025 in the Cape followed a cold, wet winter with a dry, mild growing season, giving slow, even ripening.
Drinking. Open 15 to 20 minutes before serving, slightly cool at around 16°C. Good with mushrooms or roast duck. Drinks well now and will keep for a few years.