Andrew Gunn founded Iona at 420 metres above sea level in the Elgin Valley, among some of the coolest vineyards in the Cape. The long growing season, up to two months later than Stellenbosch, allows for the creation of wines with complex flavours, freshness, and elegance. The estate follows a hands-off approach, farming organically and biodynamically, with a particular focus on soil health and ecological balance, including a resident flock of geese to manage pests naturally.

Viticulture

The Kroon Vineyard, the highest on Iona’s land, sits on ferrocrete soils. Grapes are sourced from a single south-facing vineyard with lower solar radiation of 4800 Wh/m², ensuring gentle ripening. Vines are carefully tended, with emphasis on selecting healthy, fully ripe fruit.

Winemaking

Grapes are hand-harvested into small crates and cooled overnight. Extensive hand sorting precedes destemming without crushing. The grapes undergo a cold soak of five to seven days before natural fermentation in open-top fermenters, with gentle twice-daily punch-downs and fermentation peaking at 28°C. The wine is then transferred to 500 L and 300 L French oak barrels (20% new, the remainder 2nd, 3rd, and 4th fill) for 12 months of maturation on the lees, during which malolactic fermentation occurs. After barrel ageing, wines are racked, blended in stainless steel tanks, and naturally clarified for two months prior to bottling.

Tasting Note

The 2022 Pinot Noir displays a seductive array of black fruits, including berries, cherries, and ripe summer plums. The palate is gentle yet generous, with pure, succulent fruit, bright acidity, and velvety fine-grained tannins. It is nuanced, textured, and perfectly balanced, finishing long and savoury.

Food Matching

Pairs exquisitely with Beef Wellington or roast pork with herbs and fennel.

Awards

Tim Atkin South Africa Report 2024 – 95 Points. The Kroon Vineyard, with its ferrocrete and clay soils, produces a stylish and subtle Pinot Noir, shifting effortlessly from rose petal and potpourri aromas to a palate of goji berry and wild strawberry framed by 20% new oak.

Technical Details

Varieties: Pinot Noir 100%

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