Storm Ridge Pinot Noir 2019

Crafted by Hannes Storm and his team, Storm wines are site-specific wines hailing from different sub-regions in the cool, Hemel-en-Aarde Valley in South Africa. Exceptional terroirs and low yields, produce wines of complexity, character, and finesse, each exuding a sense of place and character. Storm Ridge Pinot Noir hails from the highest parcel of vine in the Hemel-en-Aarde valley, 330 metres above sea level. The fruit benefits from cool south easterly wines with maritime influences. In Hannes' words "Its easterly exposition means a longer hang time and this, combined with similar Bokkeveld shale and clay soils as Vrede, means that stylistically it sits in between Vrede and Ignis." This bottling highlights a darker fruit profile compared to Ignis and Vrede, with an exceptionally fragrant nose of black and red fruits with spices and oak. The nose follows through onto the palate with black plum, violets, and wild strawberry with savoury spices and tea notes on a long and pleasant finish.

“Ridge comes from the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge and is the youngest of the Storm Pinot Noir vineyards, located on the same shale soils but at a considerably higher altitude. Darker in colour than Hannes Storm's other wines, it's dense, fresh and a little tighter with dark cherry and graphite notes and a savoury, spicy finish. Drink now-2027.” - 95 Pts Tim Atkin MW