STORM WINES Ridge Pinot Noir - Hemel-en-Aarde 2023 Bottle

Description

Storm Wines, under the meticulous hand of Hannes Storm, meticulously crafts site-specific, cool-climate Pinot Noir from the revered Hemel-en-Aarde valley. The 2023 vintage here saw favourable growing conditions, allowing for slow, even ripening that brought both concentration and freshness to the grapes.

It was matured in 25% new oak for 12 months. It is more youthful in appearance compared to the Ignis, the nose very cohesive with black cherry, raspberry preserve, crushed stone and light wilted rose petal aromas. The fresh, poised palate is medium-bodied with crisp acidity. Long with a touch of spice on the finish, this is an excellent Pinot Noir. Tiny production of about 250 cases per year.

*****

TIM ATKIN 96 Points
Hannes Storm's Ridge Pinot Noir uses grapes from a dry-farmed, 1.1-hectare parcel at La Vierge that's planted with 7,500 vines per hectare. Firmer and more backward than his other two Pinots, it has flavours of plum and orange zest, a hint of clove spice and the concentration and intensity to age beautifully in bottle. The finish goes on for a minute.