Storm Ridge Chardonnay 2024 (Christian Eedes 97/100)

Grapes from a Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge vineyard planted in 2019. Matured for 11 months in 228-litre barrels, 25% new. The nose is alluring with top notes of flowers and herbs before lemon and grapefruit, as wells as a touch of flinty reduction for added complexity. The palate is taut and focused, with superb fruit concentration, electric acidity and a long, saline finish. A wine of striking clarity and energy. Alc: 13%.

CE’s rating: 97/100.

Wine of Origin Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge
Production 542 cases (of 12). Release date April 2025

JUSTERINI & BROOKS TASTING NOTE

Floral and citrusy with a tangerine and fresh peach finish. Silky and polished but moreish too. The whites are pressed quite hard to add a little grip to the wine, ensuring they are not too sweet and easy. A delicious, low alcohol Chardonnay that delivers from the off. Ridge Chardonnay comes from a high-density vineyard on a cool, eastern slope on the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge with low-vigour, stony, clay-rich Bokkeveld shale soil. Ageing took place 25% new French barrique over 11 months. Since 2022, all wines are closed with DIAM corks.

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