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.
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
Producer
Critics Ratings
‘Has house’s fine acidity, deft touch new oak (22%) and subtle flavours. 2018 more citrus toned than previous stonefruit and oatmeal; attractive oxidative notes and saline conclusion. Barrel fermented/aged 8 months on lees.’ - Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2020, 4.5* (93/100)
‘Planted with the CY95 clone on an outcrop of shale at the top of the Vrede block, this is a low-yielding site that makes wines that combine weight with freshness and acidity. Stylishly oaked and naturally fermented, it has the leesy complexity and texture of a top Meursault Perrières. 2020-26.’ - Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2019, 94/100