Located in Elgin, South Africa, Andrew Gunn and family acquired this beautiful, but run-down apple farm in 1997. A first generation South African, Andrew can trace his ancestry back to the Vikings, hence the long boat emblem on the labels. The vineyards of Iona are located on a mountain plateau in the coolest region of South Africa, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Sauvignon Blanc is the main focus, accounting for nearly 65% of Iona’s plantings, along with Syrah, Mourvedre, Viognier and Bordeaux varietals. Winemaker John Seccombe produces clear, focused wines with a sense of place, while bringing a fresh outlook on Iona’s unusual vineyard sites.

Tasting notes

Aged on its lees with battonage, the wine offers bristling notes of citrus, tropical fruit, and lemongrass that is edged by a bit of cream. Nicely balanced undertones of herbal and white florals provide minerality and length to this racy, elegant white.

Technical notes

Eight different Sauvignon Blanc clones from different estate parcels were used to create this cuvee. Given the cool climate at Iona, the fruit is harvested in different passes to ensure proper phenolic ripeness. In the cellar, each block was vinified separately – some batches were fermented naturally, others on their skins and the remainder was inoculated. A small percentage of Semillon is typically added to the blend to enhance mid-palate depth and complexity.