Pinot Noir Ridge, Storm Wines 2022

The 2022 Pinot Noir Ridge comes from an east-facing block on La Viege. It includes 15% whole bunch and matured in French oak (22% new). This has my favorite bouquet of the three cuvées: a mélange of red and black fruit, dried rose petal, a touch of sour cherry and crushed stone. The palate is very well balanced and pixelated, with a keen line of acidity, lovely salinity and real precision toward the finish. This splendid Pinot Noir is Storm's standout of the year. Drink 2025-2036.

This taut and brooding pinot noir has perfumed notes of lavender, burnt oranges, nutmeg and baking spices, mulberries and plums. Touch of iron and tobacco. It’s medium-bodied, tense and tightly wound with a fine tannin structure accompanying purple-fruit and spice notes. A serious wine, restrained for now. Try from 2026.

Ridge is often the most backward of Hannes Storm’s trio of remarkable single vineyard Pinot Noirs, sourced from an east-facing, high-density planting at 330 metres at La Vierge on the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge. Plum, black cherry and a hint of graphite are underpinned by plenty of grip, backbone and intensity. One to tuck away for a while.

The Storm 2022 Hemel-En-Aarde Ridge Pinot Noir Ridge opens to aromas of purple violet, cassis, grilled herb and pencil shaving. This site is harvested three weeks later on average, and that accounts for the developed complexity and enhanced aromas present here. In fact, this bottle was placed last in our tasting because of its more powerful profile. It is almost brooding in personality with allspice, a botanical character and lingering wildflower. The Ridge shows a special textural impact that is tight, firm and silky overall. There's so much energy and freshness in all these wines from the talented Hannes Storm. Drink 2024-2037.