Crystallum Mabalel Pinot Noir 2023 750ml

Mabalel takes its name from a poem by the esteemed South African polymath Eugene Marais. The poem recounts the tale of Mabalel, a local chieftain’s daughter who was ambushed by the crocodile Lalele while fetching water from the Limpopo River. The vineyard itself is situated on the ‘Kaaimansgat’ farm, translating to Crocodile’s Lair, with a river running adjacent to the vines. Nestled at an elevation of 700 meters, the site is encircled by dramatic mountains, their peaks frequently capped with snow during winter.

This year, Mabalel was fermented using only native yeasts, with all fruit destemmed prior to fermentation. The wine spent a total of 29 days in tank, followed by a 14-day post-fermentation maceration period. Afterward, it was transferred to barrels, 20% of which were new, where it aged for 11 months before being bottled.

This vintage of Mabalel presents a savoury and contemplative character, with the nose revealing notes of star anise, mushroom, soy, and rose. The palate boasts a rich fruit density, featuring flavors of damson, redcurrant, and plum, along with an earthy depth contributed by rhubarb, tomato leaf, and molasses. The finish is dry, accented by a subtle spicy grip.