It would be remiss of us not to alert you to the high praise Christian Eedes has just given Storm Wines – a pinnacle of South African fine wine. ‘Storm is producing some of the Cape’s most considered and compelling contemporary wines,’ says Christian, rating their latest releases in a narrow band of 96–98 points. These are significant scores from this respected local critic.
Hannes Storm and his team have crafted exceptional Pinot Noirs – each with a clear stamp of their appellation – and their elegant, saline Chardonnays are wonderful expressions of the great 2025 vintage.
The 2024 Vrede Pinot Noir comes from a northeast-facing slope in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley on low-vigour, Bokkeveld shale soil. A stunning wine with a floral perfume, it’s powerful and has serious tannin support. This will easily last a decade and more.
The 2024 Ignis Pinot Noir is from an Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley vineyard, strewn with round pebbles on underlying decomposed granite. It opens with fine red berry fruit, a hint of brewed tea and spice, leading to an ethereal, delicate palate.
From the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, the Ridge Pinot Noir 2024 is from a cool, higher-elevation eastern slope with stony, clay-rich Bokkeveld shale soil. Sumptuous and layered with impressive structure, it’s sure to age well.
The Ridge Chardonnay 2025, from low-vigour, stony, clay-rich Bokkeveld shale soils, sits at 330m altitude. It’s a pure-fruited marvel that’s both taut and utterly delicious.
From down in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, also on low-vigour Bokkeveld shale, the Vrede Chardonnay 2025 delivers just a touch more texture with a distinct salted-almond paste finish. It ends with a long, brilliant send-off.
This is the most thrilling set of Storm releases yet!
Tasting Notes:
Storm Wines Vrede Pinot Noir 2024
‘From a Hemel-en-Aarde Valley vineyard on shale. Matured for 12 months in 228-litre barrels, 25% new. Intriguing aromatics of red currant, orange, musk, cured meat and white pepper. The palate is rich, possessing both breadth and depth – a wine of big volume without being overbearing. Really detailed, a lovely line of acidity and silky tannins, the finish long and dry. Alc: 13.61%.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 97/100 | Serious
Storm Wines Ignis Pinot Noir 2024
‘From an Upper Hemel-en-Aarde vineyard on granite. Matured for 12 months in 228-litre barrels, 24% new. Cranberry, strawberry, a pretty fynbos note and white pepper on the nose while the palate is concentrated and vital with fine tannins. More mid-palate presence than some vintages of this wine (alcohol is 14%) without forfeiting its characteristic tension and drive.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 96/100 | Distinctive
Storm Wines Ridge Pinot Noir 2024
‘From a Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge vineyard on shale and located at 330m ASL. Matured for 12 months in 228-litre barrels, 25% new. Red and black cherry, cassis, floral perfume, fynbos and spice on the nose. The palate shows great fruit definition with propulsive acidity and nicely grippy tannins. Structured yet not severe and just glorious to drink. Alc: 13.78%.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 98/100 | Classic
Storm Wines Vrede Chardonnay 2025
‘Matured for 11 months in 228-litre barrels, 29% new. The nose shows lime, lemon and herbs plus hints of nuttiness and dough. Extraordinary purity and presence, lip-smacking acidity and a pithy finish. A wine of considerable complexity. Alc: 12.98%.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 97/100 | Serious
Storm Wines Ridge Chardonnay 2025
‘Matured for 11 months in 228-litre barrels. Lemon, orchard blossom and oatmeal on the nose. Compact and dense on the palate with driving acidity and an extraordinarily long finish. Seamless and precise. Alc: 13.15%.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 97/100 | Serious
