Dear *|FNAME|*,

'[The 2021 vintage] is the most exciting I have ever had at Iona.' – Werner Muller, Iona Winemaker

With a global resurgence of Sauvignon Blanc underway, there's no better place to start than SA's exceptional 2021 vintage. Where vineyards have been planted in the right place, better vineyard practices employed and exciting fermentation techniques and maturation vessels used, this variety offers so much enjoyment – especially after 5 – 8 years in bottle. You'd be hard-pressed to find wines under R200 that promise this much drinking pleasure half a decade on.

All vintages are not created equal and both the Iona Elgin Highlands Sauvignon Blanc and the Tokara Reserve Collection Elgin Sauvignon Blanc confirm that 2021 is special! It's time that we take Sauvignon Blanc much more seriously and these emphatic examples will enter their prime around 2026 – 2029, while being capable of maturing for decades and beyond.

Our experience tasting wines for all the Prescient Winemag 10-Year Reports has highlighted the remarkable maturation capacity of Sauvignon Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc blends. Further proof are the many older Sauvignons (and I mean 10, 15 or 25-year-old wines) we've tasted that were not only alive but delicious.

The Iona and Tokara are two such wines. Sourced from the Elgin Highlands, they both showcase the immense potential of the vintage. The 2021 Tokara has notes of restrained green fig and winter melon, leading to an especially long and perfumed finish, whilst the 2021 Iona has a wonderful array of white flowers and nectarine notes with a superbly driven end.

Reply to this email or visit our website to place your order online.

Vinous regards,

Tasting notes

Iona, Elgin Highlands Sauvignon Blanc 2021

'There is a great intensity straight out of the gate. Beautiful, perfumed white flowers, white nectarine and fresh-cut pear follow and entice. The aromas keep unfolding while the palate impresses with flavour; layer upon layer. The massive, driving acidity is scathing in its precision – begging to be laid down to meld. There is power and depth here that speak of the quality of a fine vintage, hailed by Werner as one of the greatest he has experienced. It is sure to keep for decades, so please put these down for a couple of years! Best from 2026.' – James Pietersen (January 2022)

Tokara, Reserve Collection Elgin Sauvignon Blanc 2021

'Loads of perfume, almost exotic with notes of litchi and pressed rose. The hints of green fig and ripe winter melon have a sea breeze and fynbos edge to them, leading to a saline palate with hints of fennel, black currant and an exceptionally long and fragrant finish. A masterful match with seared scallop, kapokbos, apricot and browned butter. Best from 2025 onwards.' – James Pietersen (January 2022)

What's new?