We are pleased to say that, not only has our allocation of Hannes Storm’s outstanding Pinot Noir remained intact, but we have actually been able to increase it and add the third single vineyard Pinot Noir in Hannes’ range, the ‘Ridge’. Simon's offer on the 2016s, below.
I have been seriously impressed by every vintage released from Storm….these wines stand out for purity, beautifully expressed fruit, and poise. I am always fascinated by the contrasts between the vineyards too, which has led to us offering mixed cases of six bottles comprising two bottles of each different Pinot Noir (see below). Forget any associations with Pinot Noir from South Africa, these are virtually in a class of their own – not just for their quality but value, too. These are knock-out wines that I simply cannot recommend highly enough; the combination of a talented grower/ winemaker and some very impressive vineyards delivers three focused wines, each with their own subtly different personality.
The Hemel-en-Aarde valley lies on the coast due south of Stellenbosch and the valley stretches inland from Hermanus (famous for whale-watching). As a wine-growing region it is classed as part of Walker Bay, though the Hemel-en-Aarde has three ‘wards’ within that region. This is a wonderfully picturesque part of the world, and it comes as no surprise that Hemel-en-Aarde translates as ‘heaven on earth’. This is a great location to cultivate Pinot Noir as the site benefits from the cooling oceanic influence. This played a key part in the success of the 2016s.
Hannes has worked in the Hemel-en-Aarde valley for some time – 12 vintages, to be precise. He discovered distinct, small parcels of vineyard that he felt offered exceptional terroir. The vineyards were planted in 2008 and were therefore already established. His first vintage was the 2012 when he ran Storm as a side-line. Now, buoyed by the success of his wines, he devotes all his time to Storm.
I predict a bright future for Storm and would not be surprised if the demand for these captivating Pinot Noir, that are only made in small volumes, rises dramatically over coming years. It is seldom that I am as routinely impressed by a set of wines and it is great to be involved with the estate early doors.
2016 Pinot Noir, ‘Vrede’, Hannes Storm
£140 per 6 bottle case in bond
A production of just 650 cases of Pinot Noir (though Hannes’ largest holding) from low vigour, stony, clay-rich soils on a north-east facing slope in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley.
Vivid garnet in the glass, with aromas of summer berry compote and a lifted floral note. This is gently mouth-filling, perhaps the most opulent of the 2016s, with a beautiful, caressing fruit of loganberry and juicy red berries. The purity that is a hallmark of the Storm wines is once more in evidence – this is a sleek, refined Pinot Noir with the substance and structure to age, yet sufficiently open to permit early consumption. It finishes with discreet saline, mineral note that underscores the abundant summer fruit. A distinctly more-ish Vrede. Drink 2019-2026.
2016 Pinot Noir, ‘Ignis’, Hannes Storm
£140 per 6 bottle case in bond
Formerly known as Moya – a production of 275 cases of Pinot Noir from decomposed granitic soils on a northern slope in the Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. Ignis is a nod to granite – igneous rock.
Paler in the glass, but revealing really attractive aromatics of blue fruit, dark raspberry and violet. There is a lighter touch here in some ways – a more ethereal quality – but the palate is very expressive with a silky textural quality and a beautifully expressed fruit, all pure, juicy soft skinned berries, with a hint of spice. There is a really beguiling style to the Ignis. Drink 2019-2026.
2016 Pinot Noir, ‘Ridge’, Hannes Storm
£140 per 6 bottle case in bond
A production of 250 cases of Pinot Noir from low-vigour, clay-rich, shale soils on a cool eastern slope in the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge area.
Deeper in hue this is certainly the most powerful of the trio, with small dark fruits and notes of spice on the nose. There is a marked mineral undertow here and currently a more compact note to the fruit, with air it opens to reveal terrific depth of dark cherry fruit with a firmer tannic spine than the Vrede or the Ignis. It will be fascinating to see how this ages as there is a bigger structure in evidence here, though in line with the Storm style. The purity to the fruit that is unmistakable. Drink 2020-2027+.
2016 Mixed Pinot Noir Case, Hannes Storm (an unbranded case including two bottles of each of the three Pinot Noir)
£145 per 6 bottle case in bond
Please note that we are mixing the cases ourselves and therefore they are in plain boxes, though we have suggested to the estate that they may wish to offer mixed cases going forward.