Pinot Noir, Vrede, Hemel en Aarde, 2023
Vrede 2023 offers an absorbing succulence of fruit, balanced with powdery tannins and resonant red fruits. Medium in body with fresh strawberry, a touch of oak, cocoa, violet and rose. Gorgeous. Vrede is 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. Aged for a year in 25% new French oak.
critic reviews
The Storm 2023 Hemel-en-Aarde Valley Pinot Noir Vrede captures a bright and lifted expression that feels true to both grape and territory, performing especially well in this rainy vintage. Pretty aromatics hit that unmistakable Pinot Noir sweet spot of delicacy and clarity. Fermented with 10% whole-bunch fruit, cold macerations and native yeasts, the wine completes malolactic fermentation in barrel and ages 12 months in French oak, with 28% new oak. The vineyard was planted in 2008 to Dijon clones 115, 777 and 113 across 4.6 hectares, with the maiden vintage released in 2012. Bokkeveld shale soils consistently deliver finesse and aromatic precision. Production is 12,580 bottles.
The 2023 Pinot Noir Vrede includes 10% whole bunch and is aged for 12 months in French oak from Burgundian coopers. This has a very perfumed floral bouquet with expressive red cherry and strawberry fruit and a hint of sous-bois. You would not be able to differentiate this from a Burgundy! The palate is medium-bodied with crunchy dark berry fruit, quite spicy and peppery, with a touch of leafiness towards the finish that just attenuates slightly. Not bad, although I err towards the previous vintage.