Neil Ellis Wines
 | He was one of the first winemakers in South Africa to go the "virtual winery" route, leasing cellar space and sourcing fruit from a range of different areas and mesoclimates. Also one of the first to look to the cooler, less fashionable areas to source his grapes, such as Groenekloof, near Darling on the west coast, and Elgin, traditionally an apple growing region; these areas are now acknowledged to be among the finest in the Cape for the production of Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. Now based (since 1993) at the Oude Nektar estate in the beautiful Jonkershoek valley in Stellenbosch, Neil continues to push his wines to new heights, all with his much admired hallmark elegance with richness and power. A Pursuit of Quality, Nothing Less The following wines are available from Neil Ellis: Vineyard Selection Range - these limited release wines demonstrate the distinctiveness of specific vineyard sites and represent the finest quality. The range consists of a Cabernet Sauvignon, a Shiraz and a Pinotage, all made from Stellenbosch fruit. Premium Range - grapes from three top terroirs - Stellenbosch,Elgin and Groenekloof - are sourced for these premium quality varietal wines. The emphasis is on complexity and potential for development married with attractive fruit flavours showing true varietal character. The range includes Elgin Chardonnay and Groenekloof Sauvignon Blanc and from Stellenbosch : Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Pinotage and Chardonnay. |
Neil Ellis wines are now internationally acclaimed, regularly winning accolades and awards from all over the world. Worldwide demand for these icons of South African wine has soared, and the wines are in extremely short supply. When available they are stocked across a variety of wine outlets in the UK.
To find out more about Neil Ellis wines visit the Neil Ellis website at http://www.neilellis.com/
Wines
- Neil Ellis Pinotage
A medium to full bodied red, rich with juicy, brambly fruit, with fine soft tannins and sleek finish. Very elegant Pinotage.
''svelte interplay of clove-spiked plums & well-meshed tannins'' **** JOHN PLATTER GUIDE 05
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- Neil Ellis Vineyard Selection Shiraz
Winner of a double gold in the SA Veritas awards 2001, this is yet another of Neil's wines to find that magical balance of power and elegance. Rich, ripe red and black fruit aromas and flavours combine with spicy new oak, to give a rich complex long finish. Delicious now, it will be fantastic in a year or two.
'epitomises Ellis' principle of ‘power with elegance’ 90 Point Wine Spectator
'Ambrosial allspice scents, spicy fruits, ripe fine-grained tannins. Wonderfully ‘cool’ finish. Will reward patience - enjoy from 2008' **** JOHN PLATTER GUIDE 05
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- Neil Ellis Cabernet/Merlot
Soft, ripe berry fruit flavours, are the main feature of this rich, approachable red, balanced by Neil's trademark elegance and oak and mineral complexity.
''Stylish, distinctive blend. 03 stunner-in-making.. Resonating layers perfectly ripe black berries, cassis; fine, dusty grip, minerally length. Great presence, complexity. Deserves 2/3 yrs before broaching; long-lived: ±8 yrs. 02 broader choc-sheen, fleshy meat notes. Super finish. Usually approachable young; better after five yrs. **** JOHN PLATTER GUIDE 05
Available at:-
Decanter (Sarah Jane Evans)
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- Neil Ellis Elgin Chardonnay
Made from fruit grown on the cool slopes of the Elgin region, this rich complex white beautifully combines toasty oak, with rich pineapple and creamy butterscotch flavours. One of the Cape's best Chardonnays.
****/* John Platter Wine Guide 2005
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- Neil Ellis Groenekloof Sauvignon Blanc
“ glacially cool green fruit and palate-cleansing freshness. Neil Ellis produces some of the most beautiful wines in the Cape and this Sauvignon Blanc is one of my favourites. It is amazing value and will certainly give New Zealand Sauvignon producers something to think about. The keen, edgy citrus, asparagus and elderflower flavours will tingle every one of your taste buds. MATTHEW JUKES – DAILY MAIL
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- Neil Ellis Shiraz
This is a multi-vineyard Shiraz blend from the Groenekloof ward and the Jonkershoek valley. Elegant blackberry fruit with underlying white pepper and liquorice aromas and hints of violets. Finely balanced tannin characters, will age beautifully.
''hugely concentrated, yet refined; layers mulberry/dark spicy flavours; long, digestibly dry. Will be magnificent in maturity'' **** JOHN PLATTER WINE GUIDE 05
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- Neil Ellis Sincerely Sauvignon
Racy, zesty and packed full of lively gooseberry and nettley aromas. The palate shows fresh tangy tangerine and tropical fruit. Delicious!
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- Neil Ellis Stellenbosch Cabernet
Mr Ellis presents the delightful aroma of spicy blackcurrants, elegantly layered fruit, delicious integrated acids and a lovely lilting finish. This is a terrific Cabernet. MALCOLM GLUCK – THE GUARDIAN
'Classicly styed Cab - fruition of excelence' JOHN PLATTER 2004
****/* 4.5 Platter Guide 05
Available at:-
Decanter Magazine, March 2006 ()
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- Neil Ellis Stellenbosch Chardonnay
Crisp elegant Chardonnay with lifted citrus notes and a hint of butterscotch. Sublime.
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Financial Times (Janics Robinson)
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The Wine List 2007 (Matthew Jukes)
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Daily Mail (Matthew Jukes)
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- Neil Ellis Vineyard Selection Cabernet Sauvignon
A world class classic from this exceptional winemaker.
'Understated class from these cooler vinyards. Benefited from long-ripening with trade mark expressive deep dark-berry, cedar-oak aromas, taut minerally mouthfeel; promises unfolding over time' ****/* JOHN PLATTER GUIDE 05
90 Points Wine Specator
2000 Vintage won SILVER medal in the 2006 International Wine and Spirit Competition, London.
Available at:-
Decanter Magazine, March 2006 ()
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