2018 Storm Pinot Noir

December and January were dry and disease pressure was low. They had smaller berries and lighter bunches resulting in exceptionally low yields of 0.56 kg/vine. 11 months in 228-litre French oak barrels, 25% new. RS 3.2 g/l, TA 5.8 g/l, pH 3.43. 6,000 bottles produced. Relatively pale. Very savoury nose. Glorious fanfare of fruit: wild damson, cherry tobacco. It dances. Glossy and grippy tannins. These wines really change in the glass, and this wine had me wishing I could have tasted them a bit more slowly. A little toasty, but masses of strawberries. The tannins feel full of pepper, and full of movement – musical! There is frisson in every molecule. Perhaps it's the lower yields of the 2018, but this vintage stands out in the vertical. It holds an electric current of tension and intention; it's focused and yet it has spirit and soul. Exceptional. (TC)