We are delighted to offer the latest set of releases from Storm Wines based in Hemel-en-Arde, this duo of vintages also marks their tenth anniversary.
Sadly, as last year, production of the Chardonnays and Pinot Noir was extremely limited, so there is very little stock available. Volumes are sufficiently compromised, in fact, that we have so far not been able to taste the wines ourselves. Their reputation and the consistent excellence we have seen over a decade leave us confident that these remain worth buying given the price quality ratio. So many Atlas clients have now followed these wines for almost a decade since we first introduced them with the 2013 vintage and will surely have similar confidence.
By way of reminder, Hannes Storm had worked in the Hemel-en-Aarde valley for 14 years before setting up his own estate. To establish his estate, he acquired distinct, small parcels of vineyard that he felt offered exceptional terroir and resulted in wines of differing characters. The first vintage releases of Storm were the 2012s, when Hannes ran it as a side-line venture. Today, given the success of his wines, he, and his wife, Nathalia, devote all their time to Storm.
The Hemel-en-Aarde valley lies on the coast, due south of Stellenbosch, and the valley stretches inland from Hermanus (famous for whale-watching). 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 in which to cultivate fine Pinot Noir and Chardonnay as the area benefits from the cooling oceanic influence.
In terms of the vintages, 2021 was a cool vintage for Pinot Noir leading to wines of freshness and elegance. The 2022 in contrast was a slightly warmer vintage yielding Chardonnay of good fruit ripeness and breadth.
These wines are avidly followed by Atlas clients – and this offer regularly proves to be one of our fastest selling offers. The quality, individuality and value for money of this range are all exceptionally high year in, year out.
No critic has published reviews on these wines as yet, so we have included notes kindly provided by the producer.
2022 Chardonnay Vrede, Storm
£180 per 6 bottle case in bond
A north-east facing slope in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, the soils are predominantly stony, clay-rich Bokkeveld shale bringing texture and complexity. Fine and fluid with freshly cut stone fruits, citrus oils and lemongrass, to a fresh sappy finish. There is a lovely weight to this Chardonnay. It was raised in French barrique, 30% new. As of 2022, Vrede is up to 1.4ha from 0.8ha. Suggested drink dates: 2023-2030.
2022 Chardonnay Ridge, Storm
£180 per 6 bottle case in bond
The Ridge vineyard is planted at high density on an eastern slope at 300m elevation in the Hemelen-Aarde Ridge, which can ripen as much as a month later than the Vrede. For the first time, the 2022 saw a bit of clay amphora (10%), the rest of the blend was raised 32% new wood. Juicy full and fresh, bright citrus fruits, honey a touch of the exotic and elegant white blossom, it finishes firm and long and will age beautifully. Suggested drink dates: 2023-2030.
2021 Pinot Noir Ignis, Storm
£180 per 6 bottle case in bond
The Ignis offers a little more mid-palate flesh initially, with traces of ripe strawberry, red cherry, currants, a little brioche and judicious toast. More open today with a lovely sheen of glamourous Pinot berries, Ignis benefits from constant air flow and reduced disease pressure. Where Vrede is 50% clay and 50% shale, the Ignis site is cluttered with round pebbles on the surface with primarily decomposed granite underlying. Situated at 225m elevation in the Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, it is (warm) north facing but more exposed to the wind. It has been farmed organically since 2015. 609 cases were produced. Suggested drink dates: 2023-2028.
2021 Pinot Noir Vrede, Storm
£180 per 6 bottle case in bond
Initially the Vrede shows a linearity of fruit which is not often a feature of the site. With aeration, the vibrant red berries, cherry stone and flowers relax, and the wine unveils a sophisticated ferrous and soft earth note. The tannins are crisp, do not dominate and add to the overall refreshing, juicy feel of the 2021. Raised for 11 months in 25% new oak and held back in bottle before release. A north-east facing slope in the lower Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, the soils are predominantly stony, clay-rich Bokkeveld shale bringing texture and complexity. Just 343 cases were produced. Suggested drink dates: 2023-2028.
2021 Pinot Noir Ridge, Storm
£180 per 6 bottle case in bond
Ridge is the highest, coolest vineyard of the three. The 2021 has a luminous, nervy feel with pixellated red and black berries, snappy tannins and a complexity of graphite, wild herb and forest floor. Owing to the levity of the 12.7% alcohol, Hannes opted to reduce the level of new oak to just 16% this year. A tremendous success, it might even be our favourite of the three. 453 cases. Suggested drink dates: 2024-2030.