Mr P Pinot Noir Iona 2024 vs Virgile Joly Lirac 2021

Mr P Pinot Noir Iona 2024

Iona Mr P Pinot Noir is a ‘Pinot for the people’ — expressive of classic cool-climate Pinot Noir, approachable and accessible, from one of the Cape's most exceptional vineyard sites. At 420 metres above sea level, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean from the Elgin Valley, Andrew Gunn founded Iona in what is recognised as one of the coolest vineyard sites in the Cape. The long growing season — often extending two months later than Stellenbosch — allows grapes to ripen slowly, producing wines of elegance, freshness, and layered complexity. Bright, elegant, and vibrant with fresh cherry, wild red berries, forest floor, and spice. Why You'll Love It This is cool-climate South African Pinot Noir from Iona, one of the Cape's most prized vineyard sites. In South Africa, where true cool-climate vineyards are rare, Iona's position at 420 metres above sea level overlooking the Atlantic is exceptional. Farming is carried out with minimal intervention, guided by organic and biodynamic principles that prioritise soil health — with natural vineyard balance maintained by a resident flock of geese providing effective pest control. The grapes come from Langrug, one of Iona's small farms in the Elgin Valley, where diverse soils and cooling ocean breezes create ideal conditions for slow ripening. Mr P is crafted from younger vines and matured in older barrels — making it the accessible entry point to Iona's cool-climate Pinot Noir philosophy. Hand-harvested, de-stemmed but not crushed, with 10% whole-bunch fermentation adding complexity, then matured for 11 months in seasoned French oak (2nd, 3rd, and 4th fill). This is South African Pinot Noir with elegance, freshness, and genuine cool-climate character. Vineyard & Winemaking Produced by Iona from the Langrug farm in Elgin Valley, South Africa, at 420 metres above sea level. Farmed with minimal intervention guided by organic and biodynamic principles. Hand-harvested, de-stemmed but not crushed, with 10% whole-bunch fermentation. Fermented