Iona new releases

Werner Muller of Elgin property Iona says that 2023 was a wet vintage necessitating a “proactive approach” in the vineyard. Cool temperatures and unusually high rainfall in February and March required various viticultural interventions such as opening the canopies and dropping bunches. One advantage of the inclement weather was that the ripening process was delayed giving the resulting wines a “restrained tightness”. Tasting notes and ratings as follows:

Elgin Highlands Chardonnay 2023
Price: R405
The nose shows a top note of orchard blossom before pear, lime, lemon and herbs while the palate is medium bodied with racy acidity and a pithy finish. A poised, less forceful vintage. Alc: 12.5%.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

Kloof Single Vineyard Chardonnay 2023
Price: R650
From a site on quartz. Subtle and alluring aromatics of pear, peach, lime, green apple and fynbos with some smoky reduction in the background. The palate is linear and tight – lovely clarity of fruit and fresh acidity before a super-dry finish. A triumph given the difficulties of the vintage. Alc: 12.5%.

CE’s rating: 96/100.

Fynbos Single Vineyard Chardonnay 2023
Price: R650
From a site on sandstone. Lemon, a hint of orange plus leesy, waxy notes on the nose while the palate shows good depth of fruit and well-integrated acidity, relatively cream in texture. More immediately seductive than its counterpart above but an iota less intricate. Alc: 12.5%.

CE’s rating: 95/100.

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