| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | South Africa |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
The 2022 Pinot Noir Vrede includes 15% whole bunch and matured for 11 months in French oak barrels, 35% new. The aromatics needed a little coaxing from the glass, revealing brambly red berry fruit intermixed with briar and light sous bois scents. The palate is medium-bodied with a brisk, peppery opening, a noticeable marine element and a linear, strict finish. This is very fine, but it will need a couple of years in bottle; of the three Pinot cuvées from Storm, this improves the most in the glass. Drink 2026-2035.
Now including 20% of the 777 clone, alongside its habitual 115 base, Vrede comes from red clay soils with a high iron component. Seductively perfumed, this stunning red has fine tannins, fleshy, opulent flavours of strawberry and redcurrant, finely judged 35% new wood and undertones of rose petal and forest floor. One of the greatest ever Cape Pinot Noirs.
The Vrede Pinot Noir is the goldilocks of the three reds this year, taking the sweeter fragrance of the Ignis and the deeper chalk of the Ridge and pulling it together in an impressive, harmonious wine. Transparent ruby in the glass, the nose is vibrant and high-toned with an enticing, floral array of red fruits. There is such definition and integrity to the fruit here, it is beautifully delineated yet never clinical. The same succulent red fruit shows on the palate, which is framed by ripe, chalky tannins that provide a fine backbone. The fruit makes this moreish to drink now, but I expect it to improve with a year in bottle, the chalky backbone melting into the fruit. A brilliant effort. 1,020 cases produced.
