2018 Pinot Noir Ridge Storm Wines Hemel en Aarde Valley

The highest site in the range at 330m in the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, the Ridge Pinot benefits from a cool south easterly wind. Its easterly exposition means a longer hang time and this, combined with similar Bokkeveld shale and clay soils as Vrede, means that stylistically it sits in between Vrede and Ignis. A cooler expression of red and black fruit brings with it a spicy graphite note that lends complexity and a sense of maturity, but with a stony, crisp acidity and rounded, beautifully balanced fruit. Poise and elegance with spicy notes – characteristic of the cool slope’s low-vigour, stony, clay-rich soil. In 2018, the harvest was 20 days later in the ridge compared to the lower valley. The complete package. Aged in 25% new French barrique for 11 months and released after 15 months in bottle.

94/100 Tim Atkin MW