Iona new releases
By Christian Eedes, 22 July 2024
Former engineer Andrew Gunn bought a dilapidated Elgin apple farm in 1997 which he converted to vineyard and Iona as the property was name is today one of the most distinguished in the district. Tasting notes and ratings for the standard-release and single vineyard new releases of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir as follows:
Elgin Highlands Chardonnay 2022
Price: R405
Matured for 12 months in 228- and 300-litre barrels, 22% new. Exquisite aromatics of pear, lemon, grapefruit, fresh nuts, herbs and some flinty reduction. Great clarity on the palate – pure fruit, electric acidity and pithy finish. Poised, delicate and refined. Alc: 12.8%.
CE’s rating: 96/100.
Fynbos Chardonnay 2022
Sold out.
From a site on sandstone. Matured for 12 months in 228- and 300-litre barrels, 20% new. Pear, peach, lime, fynbos and a hint of vanilla on the nose. The palate is lean and full of nervous energy, the finish super-dry. Tight and focused, a striking wine. Alc: 12.5%.
CE’s rating: 93/100.
Kloof Chardonnay 2022
Price: R650
Grapes from a north-facing site on quartz. Exotic aromatics of citrus, orange, melon and pineapple. The appealing fruit sweetness (despite residual sugar of just 2.1g/l) – relatively round and rich, bright acidity lending balance, the finish gently savoury. Alc: 12.8%.
CE’s rating: 93/100.
Elgin Highlands Pinot Noir 2022
Price: R405
Matured for 12 months in 300- and 500-litre barrels. Strawberry and musk plus vague notes of herbs, tea leaf and white pepper on the nose. The palate is light-bodied and understated (alc: 13.8%) with fresh acidity and very fine tannins.
CE’s rating: 91/100.
Kloof Pinot Noir 2022
Price: R650
Grapes from a south-facing site on iron-rich soils. Winemaking as for Elgin Highlands. Red and black cherry, musk, tea leaf and earth on the nose. Dense fruit, bright acidity and silky tannins. Pure and poised with good flavour intensity. Alc: 13.7%.
CE’s rating: 94/100.
Kroon Pinot Noir 2022
Price: R650
From the same part of the farm as the Chardonnay by the same name. Aromatics are lifted and pretty with notes of red cherry, orange, musk and herbs. Light-bodied with zesty acidity and powdery tannins. Linear and austere, the finish having a salty quality. Alc: 13.7%.
CE’s rating: 93/100.
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