STORM WINES Ridge Chardonnay, Hemel-en-Aarde 2023 Bottle

Description

Storm Wines, led by the talented Hannes Storm, is a boutique South African producer renowned for crafting exquisite, site-specific Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from the cool-climate Hemel-en-Aarde region. The 2023 vintage in Hemel-en-Aarde enjoyed a generally favourable growing season, producing balanced grapes with excellent flavour concentration and acidity. This Ridge Chardonnay offers an enticing aroma of ripe lemon, white peach, and toasted almonds, underpinned by a distinctive flinty minerality. On the palate, it delivers a wonderfully rich yet focused experience; creamy textures mingle with vibrant citrus zest and a subtle hint of spicy oak. A refreshing acidity provides excellent balance, leading to a long, precise finish that echoes fruit and stony complexity, promising graceful evolution.

*****

VINOUS 91 Points
The 2023 Chardonnay Ridge was hand-picked and vinified with 20% whole bunch. It went through 100% malo and matured for 11 months in French oak, including 8% in clay amphora. This has a bright and lively bouquet with lemon balm, linden and light crushed stone aromas. The palate is well balanced with a smooth texture, presenting touches of tangerine and citrus peel. There is a subtle candied element on the finish that I like. Very appealing.