Neil Ellis Wines’ reputation as one of SA’s leading Cabernet producers was re-affirmed when both their terrain specific and regional 2013 Cabernet Sauvignons were lauded at the 2016 Veritas Awards; the Neil Ellis Jonkerskoek Cabernet receiving Double Gold and the Stellenbosch Cabernet awarded Gold.
These accolades follow a long line of praise for Neil Ellis Cabernet Sauvignon, bringing up a grand total of 14 Veritas Double Gold or Gold Awards since 1999. Now in its 26th year, the Veritas Awards is synonymous with excellence in wine and is one of the most established and most prestigious wine competitions in South Africa. The pinnacle South African wine accolade, a 5-star rating in the Platter’s wine guide, has been awarded four times to the Neil Ellis Vineyard Selection Cabernet Sauvignon (now called Jonkershoek Cabernet). Internationally, the Neil Ellis Cabernets have also garnered widespread acclaim, regularly receiving venerable 90+ ‘outstanding’ ratings from renowned wine critics like Tim Atkin (British Master of Wine), Jamie Goode (UK-based wine writer, author and blogger), US-based wine critic Stephen Tanzer and highly-acclaimed US wine magazines like Wine Advocate, Wine Spectator, Wine Enthusiast and Wine & Spirits.
Celebrating 30 years of the Neil Ellis wine label, Neil Ellis has always sought out specific sites where individual varieties excel, searching for the best grapes, grown in the best areas where the interaction of soil, topography and climate suit them best. Today the same philosophy remains the mainstay of Neil Ellis Wines. 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. Neil Ellis Wines’ philosophy to produce distinctive, refined wines that express the inimitable attributes of their terrain and rank amongst South Africa's finest, has certainly reaped the desired rewards, with a prized local and international reputation for exceptional elegance and quality.
Neil Ellis Jonkershoek Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 – Terrain Specific Range
The Neil Ellis limited release terrain specific range of wines demonstrates the distinctiveness of specific vineyard sites and represents the finest quality. 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 is medium intense ruby red in colour with complex aromas of blue and black small berry fruit with cedar notes and touches of mint, so typical of a Jonkershoek wine. 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.
The Neil Ellis Jonkershoek Cabernet Sauvignon is available for purchase at the estate or online at online at www.neilellis.com and nationally at leading wine merchants.
Recommended retail price: R300 per bottle.
Neil Ellis Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 – Regional Range
Produced from Jonkershoek Valley fruit and further parcels of grapes sourced from complimentary sites within the Stellenbosch area, this wine spent 18 months in a 25% 1st fill French oak barrel, the balance in 2nd, 3rd and 4th fill barrels. It is deep, dark garnet in colour with a bright ruby edge. Aromas of currants, blackberries and plums follow onto a palate with compelling mouth-filling flavours of cherry and plum with some black pepper spice. This full bodied wine finishes with soft tannins and a hint of peppery cassis.
The Neil Ellis Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon is available for purchase at the estate or online at online at www.neilellis.com and nationally at leading wine merchants.
Recommended retail price: R145 per bottle.
Visit Neil Ellis Wines
Today the journey of Neil Ellis Wines is not only about Neil himself. After 40 years of making wine and 30 years of the Neil Ellis wine label, the next stage of the journey has begun with Neil’s son, Warren, sharing responsibilities as winemaker and viticulturist. The well established family enterprise has a new home, a state-of-the-art cellar on the lower slopes of the Helshoogte Pass in Stellenbosch, where their first vintage was vinified in 2015.
Neil Ellis Wines: Tel +27.218870649 Email info@neilellis.com Website www.neilelllis.com