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 Pinot Noir hails from a steep, northeast-facing slope in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley with low-vigour, stony, clay-rich Bokkeveld shale soil.
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Critics Ratings
'Light red colour only just starting to fade into garnet on appearance. Herbal nuance to root beer and red fruit. The palate is amazingly youthful, showing off bright fruit with the sweet herbs and tilled earth. Light and elegant, showing off the cool vintage, with earthy notes accentuated by the wet conditions. Ready to be enjoyed, with legs to keep further comfortably.’ – Higgo Jacobs (Feb 2022)
'Soft earthy spice and sweet cured-bacon aromas are at the front of the bouquet here, with supporting fruit tones of brambly berries, wild strawberry, peach pit, fruit cake, sweet smoke and rooibos. There's a real mélange of aromas and flavors here, just stunning, with more nuance and complexity discovered with each sniff and sip. Bright, snappy red berry fruits abound on the palate, while hints of sous bois, tree bark and cocoa nib unfold on the close. It's medium in weight, well-composed and balanced, with a smooth, suave and silky texture.' - Wine Enthusiast Magazine, 94/100 and Editor's Choice