Storm Wines (South Africa)
Vrede Pinot Noir
Western Cape, South Africa
Some wines knock you off your feet immediately, while others take time to do so. Storm Wines’ 2018 ‘Vrede’ Pinot Noir initially took a lot of examination, and changed dramatically between the hour’s decant I’d given it and the following 2-3 hours of drinking. At first, the very vibrant aromas of this young Pinot from South Africa’s esteemed Hemel-en-Arde valley were reminiscent of a pungent negroni, with a touch of Parma Violet and star anise. With time, however, these slightly confected qualities gave way to an impressive savoury bouquet of cranberry, rooibos, beef blood, iron and bitter orange (that Campari scent stuck around, and all the better for it). The palate, in this wine’s case, was even more impressive, continuing to display a savoury profile with a fabulous, zesty mouthfeel and supple tannins.
All in all, this is a beautifully fragrant, youthful PN with a bright future ahead. South Africa isn’t exactly known for its old vines (some Chenin aside), and those of Storm’s were only planted in 2008. Exciting things, then, for this winery. Everyone’s perception of value is different, but at £32/bottle here, it’s easy to recommend getting a case or two.
94+
PS. An added comment - I love the understated labels of Storm‘s wines, but I do wish they’d go back to the wax seal of previous vintages. Wax over foil every day of the week for me..!
Some wines knock you off your feet immediately, while others take time to do so. Storm Wines’ 2018 ‘Vrede’ Pinot Noir initially took a lot of examination, and changed dramatically between the hour’s decant I’d given it and the following 2-3 hours of drinking. At first, the very vibrant aromas of this young Pinot from South Africa’s esteemed Hemel-en-Arde valley were reminiscent of a pungent negroni, with a touch of Parma Violet and star anise. With time, however, these slightly confected qualities gave way to an impressive savoury bouquet of cranberry, rooibos, beef blood, iron and bitter orange (that Campari scent stuck around, and all the better for it). The palate, in this wine’s case, was even more impressive, continuing to display a savoury profile with a fabulous, zesty mouthfeel and supple tannins.
All in all, this is a beautifully fragrant, youthful PN with a bright future ahead. South Africa isn’t exactly known for its old vines (some Chenin aside), and those of Storm’s were only planted in 2008. Exciting things, then, for this winery. Everyone’s perception of value is different, but at £32/bottle here, it’s easy to recommend getting a case or two.
94+
PS. An added comment - I love the understated labels of Storm‘s wines, but I do wish they’d go back to the wax seal of previous vintages. Wax over foil every day of the week for me..!
The aromas of red fruit framed by perfume and incense are positively intoxicating. Hard-pressed to find a better Pinot in the $45-50 range.
The aromas of red fruit framed by perfume and incense are positively intoxicating. Hard-pressed to find a better Pinot in the $45-50 range.
Oct 23rd, 2019A subtle expression of Pinot with underlying minerality and structure. This is the first vintage of Hanns Storm 's own Pinot Noir after many year at Hamilton Russell making their award winning wines. A true hidden gem
A subtle expression of Pinot with underlying minerality and structure. This is the first vintage of Hanns Storm 's own Pinot Noir after many year at Hamilton Russell making their award winning wines. A true hidden gem
2 people found it helpfulMay 17th, 2015It is time. It is time. It is time for stormy weather. - lushly fruited with a tight acid core. Beautiful.
It is time. It is time. It is time for stormy weather. - lushly fruited with a tight acid core. Beautiful.
1 person found it helpfulJun 5th, 2015
This is tasty. Don't know where to place it. It has old work savory characteristics with some nice fruit. Well made.
This is tasty. Don't know where to place it. It has old work savory characteristics with some nice fruit. Well made.
1 person found it helpfulApr 7th, 2015Wow, this is stunning (sample)
Wow, this is stunning (sample)
1 person found it helpfulApr 6th, 2015
Super cool. Layer after layer.
Super cool. Layer after layer.
1 person found it helpfulMar 6th, 2015
I think this is the best Pinot I've had from SA. Maybe best SA wine I've had...
I think this is the best Pinot I've had from SA. Maybe best SA wine I've had...
1 person found it helpfulMar 6th, 2015
Beautiful young wine and one of the better Pinots I've had from South Africa. Lean and floral with a juicy mid palate presence and mineral finish.
Beautiful young wine and one of the better Pinots I've had from South Africa. Lean and floral with a juicy mid palate presence and mineral finish.
1 person found it helpfulMar 5th, 2015