Iona, Elgin (South Africa) 2011

 Elgin is an appellation in South Africa’s Cape region that gained its early reputation for cool climate renditions of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.  However, a wine like this one proves that Elgin can provide a happy home for virtually any variety, including very late ripening ones such as Mourvedre and Petit Verdot.  The blend here includes both of those as well as Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Merlot.  Everything goes into 500 liter casks, 20% of them new, for 16 months.  Four years of additional bottle age help to make this strikingly complex, with earthy scents in the bouquet that really make this seem European in style.  This pleasant earthiness shows up in the wine’s flavors as well, but there’s plenty of fruit too, and in texture, there’s softness but also nice tannic grip.  A complete wine — which is very high praise in my lexicon.