A wine of finesse and integrity embracing the past, present and future of Neil Ellis Wines

Tuesday, 9 June, 2015
Neil Ellis Wines
Neil is one of the doyens of the South African wine industry.

He has journeyed from pioneering négociant beginnings in the early 1980’s, seeking out parcels of interesting vines to make exceptional wines under his own name, to a well established family enterprise with a local and international reputation for exceptional elegance and quality. Today the journey of Neil Ellis Wines is not only about Neil Ellis. After 40 years of making wine, the next stage of the journey has begun with Neil’s son, Warren, sharing responsibilities as winemaker and viticulturist.

The newly-launched Webb Ellis wine bridges their way going forward, embracing the past, the present and the future. The wine is symbolic of the sharing of knowledge and wisdom from generation to generation, marrying traditional methods with new techniques, and embodying a spirit of innovation, open mindedness and joint respect.

The wine takes its name from the Ellis and Webb families: Neil’s wife Stephanie’s maiden name is Webb. It honours the journey of Neil Ellis Wines from a solo venture to a highly reputed family business. Stephanie is, and always has been, the pillar of strength in the background, and all three of Neil and Stephanie’s children play an important role in the business: Warren, who graduated in viticulture and oenology and has a MSc in viticulture, is responsible for the vines and winemaking, Charl heads the financial team while Margot looks after the brand and marketing. Neil is the indispensable mentor, guiding career paths and ensuring that the family takes Neil Ellis Wines to the next level.

The Webb Ellis wine is a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Jonkershoek Valley and 35% Syrah from Groenekloof in Darling. This wine spent 20 months in French oak barrels: 80% 1st fill, the balance in 2nd and 3rd fill barrels. “These varietals have a wonderful affinity,” says Warren. “They are perfect partners; both components very generous and showing their best, but neither one dominating. The Shiraz greets you upfront followed by the Cabernet on the mid- and back palate.” Only 780 numbered bottles were produced, with 600 bottles available from the cellar and at a few select specialist wine merchants. Retailing at R1000, a fair price for an exceptional wine with so much heart, this wine was born out of a tenacious and passionate vinous journey. A wine of integrity, produced from vulnerable single vineyards, it will only be produced in perfect vintages and the blend will not be cast in stone.

Webb Ellis Tasting notes

Colour: Deep dense earthy red.

Nose: The aromatics proclaim red and dark fruits with notes of red liquorice and black olives noticeable.

Palate: The palate is seamless, sophisticated and stylish. Combining the structure of Cabernet Sauvignon with the richness of Syrah, the Webb Ellis exemplifies the judicious balance of fruit and oak. Tight, focussed and poised - a multi-dimensional continuum.

Peak drinking: This classically structured, beautifully balanced wine has all the finesse and integrity to develop and evolve with careful cellaring. 2015 - 2025