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..!