2024 Iona Pinot Noir

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. There is an extremely long growing season, allowing the Gunn's 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.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.

Hand harvested and  extensive bunch sorting by hand prior to destemming. Bunches were destemmed without crushing. Grapes were cold soaked for 5-7 days prior to the start of fermentation. Fermentation occurred naturally in open top fermenters. A combination of gentle punch downs and pump overs by hand 2 times per day, depending on requirements, 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 for a period of 2 months 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.

Good match: Beef Bourguignon or braised lamb shanks.