Storm - 'Presqu'ile Vineyard' - Pinot Noir - Santa Maria Valley, CA - 2022

Presqu'ile Vineyard is organically farmed and located on the Solomon Hills in the Santa Maria Valley where the fog lifts late morning and the afternoon breeze blows from the Pacific. This wine is the result of traditional methods, a great vineyard and a love for Old World wines. It is a wine exemplifying poise and elegance. It showcases not only the purity of fruit that can be found in Santa Maria, but also alluring baking spice and black tea notes. ​ ​Tasting Notes Bright red fruit, Bing cherry, hard spice and sandalwood dominate the nose. Clove and raspberry fill out the well-balanced palate.

"The 2021 Pinot Noir Presqu'ile Vineyard is a rich, fruity wine with tons of upfront appeal. Juicy red cherry fruit, pomegranate, spice, new leather and dried herbs all grace this exquisite, layered Pinot Noir. The decision to move away from whole cluster in this bottling is a plus. Sweet floral and savory notes grace the long, nuanced finish." -Antonio Galloni, Vinous
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93 - Antonio Galloni, Vinous

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Ernst Storm grew up in South Africa and completed his studies at Elsenburg Agricultural School, which is just outside the town of Stellenbosch in the Western Cape. After completing his final year, Ernst worked as a winemaker in the Stellenbosch region and also spent two harvests in the cooler Walker Bay region in South Africa, while consulting on a few smaller projects with his brother Hannes.

Ernst wanted to experience a Northern Hemisphere harvest and took a job in the Sierra Foothills of California where he spent two years working in this warmer climate—learning a lot about managing higher pH wines and riper flavors. Having come from a cool climate region, he longed to make more balanced wines from Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc. Ernst found Santa Barbara County and saw a lot of potential. The Mediterranean climate shares many similarities with that of the Western Cape. Diverse soils and microclimates within the county make it a region with endless possibilities.

Ernst worked at Firestone Winery for three years, which proved to be a great learning experience. He worked on a larger scale and did a lot of experimentation with Sauvignon Blanc and other varietals. Storm was started with 6 barrels in 2006. In 2008, Ernst became involved in the winemaking at Curtis Winery. At the end of 2013 he left Curtis to focus on Storm.

Storm is focused on making classically styled wines from proven sites; and wines with personality of vintage and site, where elegance is favored. His brother, Hannes, launched Storm Wines-South Africa in 2012. His focus is Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley.