The vineyards used for production of grapes for The Gunnar are situated exclusively within the Iona Estate, at 425m above sea level on the eastern hills of the Elgin valley.
There is a significant influence from the ocean which is just 3km away, cooling the vines with a maritime breeze, increasing the hang time of the berries. The fluctuation between warm daytime and cool night-time temperatures promotes the development of highly aromatic compounds.
Harvesting of the grapes is all by hand in small parcels, only when the grapes are ripe enough (which often makes these the latest vineyards to be harvested in South Africa!), and transported to the winery in small crates of around 20kg. After hand sorting and de-stemming, the crushed grapes are fermented in stainless steel before finishing in barrel.
Ageing in barrel is for 6 months in 25% new barrels, of which 90% are French, before racking into tank for 24 hours as the barrels are cleaned; and then the blended wine is returned to the same barrels for a further 6 months. After a light filtration the wine is then bottled and aged for a few months before release.
The Gunnar, from Iona, displays all the hallmarks of fine wine making in a New World cool climate. The final wine is a blend of 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 47% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot grapes. Deep red in colour, the nose is of ripe plums with a hint of mint. On the palate the wine is medium to full-bodied with an elegant well structured texture displaying a plummy, slightly spicy character. This wine is polished and stylish with an open generosity that makes it very accessible.
Whitehaven wines was formed in 1993 by Greg and Sue White, and winemaker, Simon Waghorn. Their aim was to establish a winery in Marlborough producing premium quality varietal wines. To achieve this they have brought together a leading New Zealand winemaker, a dedicated group of growers, and a small modern winery facility where top quality fruit can receive the 'hands-on' treatment that i
