Elgin Highlands Chardonnay

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The vineyards are between 14-20 years old. The grapes were hand-picked before being whole bunch pressed. No settling enzymes were used, resulting in juice containing more solids. This wine was 100% wild fermented in a selection of 300L and 228L French oak barrels (20% new, the rest in 2nd, 3rd and 4th fill barrels). The wine remained on the lees for a total of 11 months. 20% of the wine went through malolactic fermentation to add richness and texture. Thereafter, the wines were racked and blended (45% Kloof, 35% Kraal and 20% Fynbos) in stainless steel tanks. The wine was ned and stabilised naturally for a period of three months before bottling

The 2024 season was characterised by two main factors, record-breaking winter rainfall persisting into September and notable heat spikes in January and February. The winter months provided us with good rainfall and cold average minimum temperatures which pushed our vines into deep dormancy. Spring got off to a cold and wet start, which led to budbreak being about a week to 2 weeks later than previous years. The remainder of the growing phase from October to December 2023 was drier than normal. Later flowering was aided by the warmer weather, but windy conditions during this period led to the forming of smaller bunches and berries. January and February experienced notably heat spikes. Proximity to the cold Atlantic Ocean and altitude are the two main factors contributing to making Iona one of the coolest vineyards sites in the country. So, while we experience excessive heat spikes during this period, our vines were still busy going through veraison and the warmer drier weather help the bunches to go through veraison quickly, leading to the maturity of the berries being more even. The quality of the grapes that arrived at the cellar were exceptional. Smaller bunches and berries contributed to wines with lovely flavour and concentration and the resulting wines are showing beautiful expressive fruit, with lovely fruit concentration and bright acidities, giving the wine great vibrancy and tension.