Burgundy/Champagne

Timed Online Auction, 11 - 23 October 2023

Burgundy & Champagne

Sold for

ZAR 9 967
Lot 16
  • Storm Wines; Vrede Chardonnay; 2015; 6 (1 x 6); 750ml


Lot Estimate
ZAR 8 500 - 10 000
Selling Price
Incl. Buyer's Premium & VAT
ZAR 9 967

About this Item

2015 Vrede Chardonnay
6 (1 x 6) 750ml

After working 12 vintages in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley as winemaker at Hamilton Russell Vineyards, Hannes Storm discovered 2 tiny parcels of land with particularly exceptional terroirs and planted them with Pinot Noir in 2008. 2012 saw the maiden vintage being released and was produced from low-vigour, stony, clay-rich Bokkeveld (‘Buck Veld’) shale soil in the Valley ward. Hannes is now the only producer of Pinot Noir from each of the three appellations in the Hemel-en-Aarde and the Vrede is widely regarded as SA’s benchmark. Just 350 cases were produced, and it offers fine aging potential.

Vrede Chardonnay – or Peace Chardonnay – hails from a northeast-facing slope in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley with low-vigour, stony, clay-rich Bokkeveld shale soil.

Provenance

Wine Cellar Private Client

Critics Ratings

'From Hemel en Aarde Valley grapes, juice underwent spontaneous fermentation and maturation lasted eight months in French oak, 25% new and 75% third-fill. On the nose, pear and citrus plus a hint of struck match. The palate meanwhile has presence without being weighty – pure fruit, fresh acidity, judicious oaking and a pithy finish. This is a wine made with great deftness – you get the feeling outcome precisely matches winemaking intention.' - Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 93/100 (May 2016)

'This Chardonnay shows great concentration and intensity, yet also poise and elegance. Fruity scents of yellow apple and lemon custard are laced with spicy hits of toasted brioche and pie crust. The palate is rich and smooth in texture, but not overdone, thanks to ample acidity and a streak of orange oil that keeps the ripe flavors in check. It's well-balanced and incredibly harmonious, with a long, evolving finish. Drink now–2022.' - Lauren Buzzeo, Wine Enthusiast, 93/100 (Jan 2018)

‘Located on clay soils on a north-facing slope, this vineyard tends to do best in cool vintages. For all that, it’s done pretty well in its maiden harvest at Storm. Basket-pressed and naturally fermented, this is tight, focused and refreshing - more Saint Aubin than Meursault perhaps.’ - Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2016, 92/100

‘2015 eloquent yet understated in its character and intensity, with floral and liquorice notes as well as citrus and oatmeal. Fresh and silky, harmonious and elegant, with a very long finish. 25% new oak; natural ferment. A long, fine future ahead of it.’ - Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2017, 4.5*

'An intricate medley of flavour characteristics spring forth from this wine. Cinnamon vanilla oak starts the party, with pears arriving shortly after. Baking herbs, dried mint and lemon peel make a late appearance and mineral limestone brings up the rear.' - Tim Atkin MW & Greg Sherwood MW, Decanter.com, 92/100 (Nov 2016)

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