2025 Iona Elgin Highlands Pinot Noir

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

Iona winery uses organic practices in the cultivation of their wines. Grapes are hand harvested into small crates and spent overnight in a cold room. Extensive bunch sorting by hand prior to destemming. Grapes were cold soaked for 5-7 days prior to the start of fermentation which occurred naturally in open top fermenters. A combination of gentle punch downs and pump overs by hand daily, were used during fermentation where the temperature peaked at 28°C. The wines were transferred to 300L French oak barrels where malolactic fermentation took place (20% new oak, the rest 2nd, 3rd and 4th fill). Maturation in oak was for 15 months, on the lees for the full period. After ageing for 15 months in barrel, the wines were racked and blended (50% Kroon, 50% Beeskamp) in stainless steel tank. The wines were clarified naturally before bottling.

Tasting Note: Perfumed with a floral nose of rose petals, black and red cherries, strawberries and underlying spice notes. The palate is textured, succulent and complex, with a long savoury finish. Vibrant acidity and fine grained chalky tannins make this a powerful and exceptional age worthy wine.13

Food match: Beef with mushrooms or braised lamb shanks.