Crystallum Wines, Newton Johnson Vineyards and Storm Wines
Live Virtual Auction, 3 April 2022
Session 1
Incl. Buyer's Premium & VAT
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.
Ridge Pinot Noir hails from a cool, eastern slope in the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge with low-vigour, stony, clay-rich Bokkeveld shale soil.
Critics Ratings
‘Maiden vintage. Blood orange peel, pomegranate, star anise. Succulent and crunchy, with immaculate life. Chalky tannins, vibrant acidity. This is the most youthful and feminine of the 2015’s showing off the cool site. A personal favourite. ’ – Higgo Jacobs (Feb 2022)
‘There’s earth, raspberry and even dark chocolate notes on 2015 from Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge. Richly textured, its intense cherry depth of flavour supported by balanced structure of light tannin and integrated acidity. Yet there’s already a light ethereal element. Finely calculated oaking on all these - 20-25% new French, 11 months.’ - Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2018, 4.5* (93/100)
‘Made with Pinot purchased from La Vierge’s substantial holdings on the Ridge, this is the second release of this 150 case bottling. The freshness of the sea breeze influence combines appealingly with the 10% whole bunch spice and redcurrant and black cherry fruit.’ - Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2016, 93/100
Provenance
Producer
Other lots that might interest you
