| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | South Africa |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
One of a trio of brilliant Pinot Noirs from Hannes Storm in in 2024, Ridge comes (surprise, surprise) from the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge and is a cocktail of Dijon clones 113, 115 and 777. The most backward of the three in 2024, it uses grapes from an east-facing block, resulting in a racy, mineral-etched red with sinewy tannins, spicy 25% new oak, cranberry, rhubarb and raspberry fruit and impressive underlying concentration. 2026-33
Sitting at 300 metres above sea level, Storm has done a terrific job at refining the grip and structure that the Pinot produced from this vineyard tends to show. Sweet-sour cherries, blackcurrant coulis and a greater depth of fruit on display with a resinous note too. This has terrific drive and crunch to the fruit on the mid-palate that almost forces you to take another sip. It may not be the closest vineyard to the Atlantic yet in a similar vein to the Chardonnay, it seems to possess the most saline finish that makes it all the more irresistible. Potentially the most concentrated of the three with an impressive spiced backbone of flavour and potential for ageing.
From a Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge vineyard on shale and located at 330m ASL. Matured for 12 months in 228-litre barrels, 25% new. Red and black cherry, cassis, floral perfume, fynbos and spice on the nose. The palate shows great fruit definition with propulsive acidity and nicely grippy tannins. Structured yet not severe and just glorious to drink. Alc: 13.78%.
