Chardonnay

"Bright yellow-straw. Sexy stone fruits, lime, crushed stone and nutty, vanillin oak on the nose, along with a leesy quality that carries through onto the palate, adding texture to the wine's stone and citrus fruit flavors. Ripe, fairly full and quite dry, showing lovely Burgundian smoky depth and brisk framing acidity. Finishes round, dry and long, with a faintly dusty impression and a lingering salty quality. Serious South African Chardonnay with some aging potential."

91
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous


"Iona is less well known for its Chardonnay than its Sauvignon Blanc (and produces way less of it), but this wild fermented white is impressive in its own right, showing attractive lees derived texture, a touch of oak and stone fruit sweetness supported by acidity."

92
Tim Atkin, MW
  • Analysis
  • Vinification and Aging
  • Tasting Notes

Iona 2014 Chardonnay

Wine of Origin

Elgin

Varietals

100% Chardonnay

Analysis

Alcohol 13.0%

Total Acidity 6.6 g/i

pH 3.20

Residual Sugar 2.4 g/l

A limited amount is produced from 2.5 ha. In order to retain the complex array of flavors from the vineyard, oak barrels are only used to complement these flavours. 90% of the wine is wild fermented in French oak and 10% is done stainless. Careful stirring of the leese gives a rich, creamy and concentrated mouthfeel; the wine does not go through malolactic fermentation and retains the natural fruit flavor and fresh lemony acidity.

A well-defined bouquet with integrated light peach and hazelnut notes, allowing the fruit to express itself to the fullest. The palate is beautifully balanced with a touch of fatness on the entry, leading to a taut middle with good acidity, and lovely nutty, honeyed flavors toward the finish.