Crystallum Wines, Newton Johnson Vineyards and Storm Wines
Live Virtual Auction, 3 April 2022
Session 1
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About this Item
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.
Ignis Pinot Noir hails from a northern slope in the Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. Organically farmed, the vineyard is cluttered with round pebbles on the soil surface with underlying decomposed granite. Latin for “fire”, ignis refers to the fact that granite is an igneous rock formation – “from fire to stone”.
Critics Ratings
‘‘Lovely marriage struck here between fresh fruit and floral perfume on the one side, with tertiary complexity in forest floor and new leather settling in. Lots of power and robust structure, but I would argue that the 2015 Ignis is at its peak for drinking while it retains this bold, crunchy fruit component.’ – Higgo Jacobs (Feb 2022)
'Previously ‘Moya’s’. These Pinots all youthful and less immediately ingratiating than many. This Upper Hemel-en-Aarde 2015 has more obvious fragrant charm and less severe than the others, with bright raspberry notes to start, sour cherry to finish. Elegant lightness of structure.’ - Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2018, 4.5* (93/100)
‘Formerly labelled as Moya’s Pinot Noir, this is richer and more concentrated than the comparatively delicate 2014, exhibiting greater texture and palate weight. Spicy, rose petal and wild strawberry notes are complemented by tangy acidity, subtle oaking and a haunting finish. One of the Cape’s very best Pinots. Drink: 2016-23.’ - Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2016, 96/100
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