Pinot Noir Ignis, Storm Wines 2022

The 2022 Pinot Noir Ignis includes 15% whole bunch and underwent a seven-day cold maceration. Naturally fermented, it then matured in French oak barrels (33% new). This has a more expressive bouquet than the Vrede, quite floral in style, with dried rose petals complementing that red berry fruit and a hint of balsamic emerging with time. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins and good balance. Classical and quite Burgundian in style, the stems impart a subtle pepperiness on the linear finish. Classy. Drink 2025-2035.

As its name suggests, Ignis uses grapes from a 2.4-hectare, north-facing site on warmer decomposed granite soils. Pale, ethereal and very delicate for a 2022 red, it combines the Burgundian 113 and 115 clones to brilliant effect. Focused, energetic and tangy, with savoury tannins, pomegranate and wild strawberry flavours, nuanced and a real sense of energy, vibrancy and purpose. Incredibly long.

The Storm 2022 Hemel-En-Aarde Valley Pinot Noir Ignis starts off with a ripe note of strawberry or watermelon and follows through with fynbos, grilled rosemary and wildflower. The wine is open-knit and quite generous at an early age. It shows a softer phenolic profile with a pinch of spice and pithy fruit. Its lifted or punchy character is vaguely carbonic. I suggest a shorter drinking window for the Ignis. Drink 2024-2032.