Iona, Elgin Highlands Sauvignon Blanc, Elgin, South Africa, 2024

Producer Profile

At 420m above sea-level, set high above the picturesque Elgin Valley Andrew Gunn founded Iona. It is here overlooking the Atlantic ocean that he has secured some of the coolest vineyards in the Cape.

In a country where cool climate vineyards are like gold dust, these vineyards are veritable nuggets. There is an extremely long growing season, allowing Andrew to create wines with complex flavours and a fresh, elegant style. The approach is hands off and the land is farmed according to organic and biodynamic practices with a particular focus on ensuring the health of the soils whilst pests are kept under control by the resident flock of geese that roam the vineyards.

Viticulture

These wines represent the unique meso climate of the Iona Elgin Highlands. This elevated plateau sitting at an average of 450m above sea level is home to the coolest vineyards in the country. A combination of gravel bed, sandstone and silica soils quartz soils with underlying clay support the vines which were planted between 1997 and 2012. The aim is for elegance, balance and to express the unique terroir of the Elgin Highlands. Grapes were hand-picked into crates early in the morning to ensure that the grapes stayed cool.

Winemaking

The focus of the winemaking process is on elegance, balance, and expressing the unique terroir of the Elgin Highlands. Grapes were hand-picked into crates during the early morning hours to maintain their cool temperature. Each of the nine vineyard blocks was harvested and vinified separately. Following gentle pressing, the must was settled at a controlled temperature of 6–8°C. Fermentation took place at 14–16°C using a range of commercial yeast strains chosen specifically for their affinity with Sauvignon Blanc. The wine remained on the gross lees for five months, with regular stirring to enhance mid-palate richness. The Sémillon portion was naturally fermented in second- and third-fill 500L French oak barrels, contributing weight and complexity to the palate. Additionally, select Sauvignon Blanc vineyard parcels were naturally fermented in 500L French oak barrels, with the barrel-fermented component comprising only a very small (4%) of the final blend.

Tasting Note

Beautiful purity of limes and ripe gooseberry, with tropical, floral and fine herbal notes, ruby grapefruit and white pear drop on the finish. This is cool climate Sauvignon Blanc – vibrant, mineral, elegant, balanced and delicate, with a long, layered and complex finish.

Food Matching

Fresh asparagus, chicken and seafood dishes but is also enjoyable by itself.

Awards

Tim Atkin South Africa Report 2024 91 Points
Iona's spectacularly sited parcels are some of the highest and most dramatic in Elgin, producing a quintessential cool climate Sauvignon Blanc. Perfumed, salty and stony, this has layers of lime and grapefruit, a touch of vanilla and a briney finish. 2024-27. 91 Points, TA, 2024.