Last week we had the undeniable pleasure of meeting Neil Ellis, founder and winemaker of Neil Ellis wines. We were fortunate to taste 5 of his fine wines and found each one more pleasurable than the last!
Neil believes that no single vineyard can satisfy the needs of all grape varieties. So each of his varieties are grown in terroir he believes they will excel in. He feels very strongly not only about the environment but also on caring viticultural practises by his growers and winemakers.
4* Platter
- Groenekloof Sauvignon Blanc
Near Darling, from granite rich soil, close to the coast. Flinty and herbaceous. Green pepper and green fig, good acid integration.
- Vineyard Selection Pinotage
Grapes are grown above 400m on south west facing slopes. This Pinotage is more on the “feminine side” or Pinot style for a Pinotage. Firm tannins. This wine will benefit from age.
- Vineyard Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
Stunning! Doesn't need words, proof is in the tasting!
4½* Platter
- Elgin Chardonnay
I don’t generally like Chardonnay but I would make an exception with this. It is elegant and rich. Strongly recommended!
- Vineyard Selection Grenache
Known sometimes as “Poor man’s Pinot Noir”. Give me poor any day. This has lively fresh fruit. Finely integrated tannins with the sweetness of the fruit.
Unrated by Platter
- Elgin Shiraz
Elgin is not an area you would associate with Shiraz. However Neil believes these cooler climes give a much classier, elegant Shiraz. The grapes remain longer on the vines which gives the wine lovely fine grain tannins. This wine spent 15 months in 500l French oak (15% of which was new).
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Last week we had the undeniable pleasure of meeting Neil Ellis, founder and winemaker of Neil Ellis wines. We were fortunate to taste 5 of his fine wines and found each one more pleasurable than the last!
Philip Smit - April 20, 2016
This is a really great selection of wines!