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. Litigo comes from a coastal site just outside the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge. It faces south, which in the southern hemisphere keeps the vines in shade for much of the day and makes it a cooler site than Crystallum's other vineyards. The vineyard was originally shared with Peter-Allan's lawyer friend Eben van Wyk, and the Latin name is a nod to him.
Style. 100% Pinot Noir. Fresh and savoury, with red plum and tomato-leaf aromas.
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 white-cut or soy sauce chicken. Drinks well now and will keep for a few years.