Ernst Storm grew up on the Western Cape of South Africa witnessing firsthand winegrowing on his sister's farm. After studying at the Elsenburg Agricultural School, Ernst worked at multiple South African estates for two years before moving to the Sierra Foothills of California to learn warm-climate winemaking. He spent an additional two years there before falling in love with Santa Barbara during a visit. Ernst was thrilled with the endless possibilities of the region as it mirrored the cool-climate characteristics of his native Western Cape. He strove to produce balanced wines from Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc. Founding Storm Wines in 2006, Ernst crafted his first six barrels of wine while simultaneously making wine for two other estates. In 2013, he decided to focus all of his energy on Storm Wines and today, Ernst uses old-world influence and new-world techniques to create terroir-driven wines with fruit sourced from sustainable, organic and biodynamic vineyards in Santa Barbara and Santa Ynez Valley.

Ernst Storm's Pinot Noir is sourced from four Santa Barbara County vineyards: Fiddlesticks, Donnachadh, Presqu'ile and Wild King. The wine is fermented 8% whole cluster, then aged in 8% new, tight-grained French oak before being bottled unfined and unfiltered. This Pinot pours a deep ruby red, emitting ripe aromas of red and black berry fruit mixed with notes of licorice, spice and candied orange peel. The palate is full-bodied, yet elegant displaying an abundance of spiced brambly fruit (black raspberry and blackberry) supported by a fine tannic structure. The finish is long and delicate. Enjoy with wild mushroom ravioli or pan-seared veal cutlets.