Excited to start importing these amazing South African wines into NC!! — 10 years ago
Back to a South African wine, smooth, light sweetness, beautiful aroma — 3 years ago
Liked for the price. Serve at 57 degrees like it recommends. Tried it the second night at room temp and amazingly not as enjoyable. — 6 years ago
Really nice fruity wine, great on a summers evening — 10 years ago
The 2004 Cristal is superb today. Bright and focused, the 2004 shows all of the tension and energy that has always been one of its signatures. The first hints of aromatic maturity are starting to develop, but the 2004 remains quite young and full of energy. I have always admired the 2004 (along with the best wines of the vintage) for its focus. In this bottle, the interplay of freshness from the recent 2018 disgorgement and richness gained through added time on the lees (which also results in lower dosage of 7 grams per liter) opens another window into the personality of Cristal. In 2004, the Pinot Noir is 57%, or a bit lower than normal, while the Chardonnay at 43% is correspondingly a touch higher. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, December 2019)
— 5 years ago
Incredible. — 10 years ago
Not 100% opaque. Looks like the poor of a Carneros Pinot. Low ABV (12.5) and the legs confirm that. A nose of wet straw and unpaved road dust, leather, very little fruit. The nose contradicts totally what is expressed on the palette. Hot, intense, concentrated red (not dark) fruit and the spritelyness and acidity of a Beaujolais Nouveau. Unlike Beaujolais, however, this has tannins a plenty and a sturdiness that could see it paired with a chuck roast. This wines differs greatly from its more southerly Rhoné cousins in just so many ways. It is so difficult to find an affordable (is $57 affordable?) Rotie, I'm glad I didn't pass this up. — 11 years ago
Sharon B
Fantastic Syrah! Very smooth and full of fruit. Got off work early for the long weekend. Great way to start it! This pro golfer lives here in Ocala though it’s produced in South Africa. A little pricey for me but really wanted to try it. 👍 after letting it breathe and taking it outside while I cook on the grill, it now has a smokiness on the nose. Very pleasant! I love it — 3 years ago