Neil Ellis’s steadfast focus on sourcing superior grape varieties, from low-yielding, hand-picked vineyard lots in the Cape’s best sites, continues to manifest its merit with a stream of prominent awards for Neil Ellis Wines.
2017 International Wine Challenge
Two recent Gold Medals at the 2017 International Wine Challenge (IWC) in London: for the Neil Ellis Whitehall Chardonnay 2015 (maiden vintage from a single vineyard in Elgin) and the Neil Ellis Jonkershoek Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 (new vintage release from Jonkershoek Stellenbosch) are the latest in a long line of prestigious accolades affirming Neil’s ability to track down some of the best vineyard parcels in the country and turn them into outstanding wines; a fitting testament to an unwavering philosophy.
Celebrating more than 30 years of the wine label, Neil has always sought out distinct sites where individual varieties excel. His search for the best grapes, grown in the best areas where the interaction of soil, topography and climate suit them best, led him to the Jonkershoek in Stellenbosch, to the cool non-traditional vineyard areas of Elgin and Darling, and to Piekenierskloof in the Cederberg. Today the same philosophy remains the mainstay of Neil Ellis Wines. Their best wines are still produced from grapes sourced from the same four areas: Jonkershoek, Elgin, Groenekloof and Piekenierskloof.
A whopping 95 point rating
The emergence of Elgin as premium Chardonnay terroir was demonstrated at the Decanter South African Chardonnay Panel Tasting, when Elgin producers dominated with 5 of the top 7 wines, including the Neil Elis Whitehall Chardonnay with a whopping 95 point rating. And Stellenbosch distinctly led the way in the recent Prescient Cabernet Sauvignon Report, producing 14 of the top 15 Cabernets, including both the Neil Ellis Regional Stellenbosch 2014 Cabernet and the Terrain Specific Jonkershoek 2014 Cabernet (joint first with 92 points).
NEIL ELLIS WHITEHALL CHARDONNAY 2015 – TERRAIN SPECIFIC RANGE (Maiden Vintage)
Neil Ellis released the first wine certified Wine of Origin Elgin in 1990 – it was a Sauvignon Blanc. He followed with the first Chardonnay certified Wine of Origin Elgin in 1994. Both wines were produced from premium vineyard sites at Whitehall, Elgin, owned at the time by Henry Hall and wife Di White – Whitehall.
Tasting notes: The Neil Ellis Whitehall Chardonnay is light golden green in colour with very youthful lime and melon aromatics, and gorgeous ripe citrus notes. This elegant Burgundian-style Chardonnay offers great texture, mouth-feel and freshness. It has a restrained mineral edge, with superbly integrated oak, balanced richness and length.
Serving suggestion: Freshly shucked oysters, butternut soup, poached salmon with a hollandaise sauce, sage butter chicken, grilled linefish with lemon butter sauce, coronation chicken, grilled crayfish or prawns, also delicious with crème brûlée or a platter of soft cheeses. Retail: ±R225 per bottle
Accolades:
International Wine Challenge 2017: Gold Medal
Decanter South African Chardonnay Panel Tasting April 2017: A 95 point rating
In his Expert Summary, Tim Atkin MW commented: “The tasting was dominated by Elgin, which supplied five of our seven top wines. When you consider that its plantings of Chardonnay account for only 1.48% of the national total, its dominance was even more impressive.”
Tim Atkin’s 2016 South African Wine Report: 91 points
NEIL ELLIS JONKERSHOEK CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2014 – TERRAIN SPECIFIC RANGE (New Vintage Release)
Over the years Stellenbosch has proven to be the most successful area in South Africa for producing great Cabernet, with the higher elevations and textured soils of the Jonkershoek Valley being ideal.
Tasting Notes: This is the signature Cabernet Sauvignon of Neil Ellis Wines with all the hallmarks of the Jonkershoek Valley. Known for its classical structure and perfect balance of elegance and fruit power, it has complex aromas of blue and black small berry fruit with cedar notes and touches of mint. The palate is smooth and plush with a savoury expression, fine but dense tannins and restrained complexity from expertly handled all-new 18 month oak maturation.
Serving suggestion: Matured rib-eye steak with bordelaise sauce, rosemary-braised lamb shanks, sticky barbeque ribs, filet mignon with rich balsamic glaze, moussaka, lamb tagine, roasted duck breast, cabernet-braised venison, grilled lamb chops, also perfect with a char-grilled burger with mushrooms and blue cheese, braised oxtail, veg lasagne or mushroom risotto with parmesan.
Retail: Released 1 July 2017, purchase at state, www.neilellis.com, leading wine merchants. Recommended retail R350 per bottle
Accolades:
International Wine Challenge 2017: Gold Medal
Prescient Cabernet Sauvignon Report 2017: Joint first place with 92 points
Neil Ellis Wines’ reputation as one of SA’s leading Cabernet producers was re-affirmed when both their Terrain Specific and Regional 2014 Cabernet Sauvignons were highlighted in the 2017 Prescient Cabernet Sauvignon Report. The Neil Ellis Jonkerskoek Cabernet 2014 was awarded joint first place with 92 points, and the Neil Ellis Stellenbosch Cabernet 2014, with 90 points, was among the Top 15 Cabernets.
Winemag.co.za’s 10 Year Old Wine Awards 2017: Top-scoring Cabernet – 91-point rating
The staying power of Neil Ellis Jonkershoek Cabernet was highlighted at Winemag.co.za’s 10 Year Old Wine Awards 2017 when the Neil Ellis Jonkershoek Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 was the top-scoring Cabernet with a 91-point rating.
What: Neil Ellis Wines, Cape
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 10am – 4.30, Saturdays, Public holidays 10am – 5pm
Cheese, charcuterie Platters: R120 to share
Info: 021 887 0649,info@neilellis.com
Web: www.neilelllis.com
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