Storm Pinot Noir – 2017s reviewed

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When the wine producers outside of Hermanus opted for the particular demarcations of Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley and Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, the decision was met with some scepticism as to how meaningful this would be but considering the efforts of Hannes Storm who makes three examples of Pinot Noir, one from each ward and the thinking starts to look inspired.

Storm Vrede Pinot Noir 2017
Approximate retail price: R620
W.O. Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. Dark fruit, some tea leaf-like fragrance, some earthiness and a touch of smoky reduction. Good fruit density, lemon-like acidity and smooth, mouth-coating tannins. Lovely balance and layers of flavour.

Editor’s rating: 94/100.

Storm Ignis Pinot Noir 2017
Approximate retail price: R620
W.O. Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. A complex nose of red and black fruit, musk, spice and a little charcoal. The palate shows great purity of fruit, fresh acidity and firm but fine tannins, the finish long and dry.

Editor’s rating: 94/100.

Storm Ridge Pinot Noir 2017
Approximate retail price: R620
W.O. Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge. Black fruit, a slight meaty quality and spice on the nose. Full bodied with particularly fresh acidity and relatively firm tannins.

Editor’s rating: 92/100.

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