2025 Iona Elgin Highlands Sauvignon Blanc

At 420m above sea level, set high above the picturesque Elgin Valley overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Andrew Gunn founded Iona among some of the coolest vineyards in the Cape.

In a country where cool-climate vineyards are like gold dust, these vineyards are veritable nuggets. The growing season is extremely long, harvesting up to 2 months after Stellenbosch, which allows Andrew to create wines with complex flavours and a fresh, elegant style. The viticultural approach is emphatically hands-off: the land is farmed according to organic and biodynamic principles, with particular focus on ensuring the health of the soil, and pests are kept under control by the resident flock of geese that roam the vineyards.

The focus of the winemaking process is on elegance, balance, and expressing the unique terroir of the Elgin Highlands. 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 (4-6%) of the final blend.

Tasting Note: Beautiful purity of limes and ripe gooseberry, with tropical, floral and herbal notes, ruby grapefruit and white pear drop on the nish. 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.