Neil Ellis Wines
Cabernet Sauvignon Stellenbosch – 2019
Region: south-africa
Neil Ellis Wines
Neil Ellis is a South African wine industry icon and one of the early pioneers to bring quality levels up to world class standards. The winery sits 5 miles east of the town of Stellenbosch in the Jonkershoek Valley. It was founded in 1993 with the philosophy to source grapes from the top growers of the region. The eco-friendly winery produces wines from the regions of Stellenbosch, Darling, Darbanville and Elgin.
The Wine
Vineyard Profile
Established vineyard sites in the Bottelary Hills and Jonkershoek Valley of Stellenbosch.
- Exposure: Southwest
- Soils: Decomposed granite
- Vine Training Systems: Trellis
Harvest Notes
- Grapes harvested between 25 to 25.5° Brix, acids 7 – 7.8 g/l and pH: 3.4 – 3.5
- Fermentation in stailess steel tanks, pumpovers until dry
- Further maceration before light pressing
- Malolactic fermentation in French oak barrels
- Aged 18 months in 25% new French oak, the balance in 2nd, 3rd and 4th fill barrels
Winemaker's Notes
Deep dark color. The nose shows restraint, with aromas of black berry, liquorice and cedar notes. A full, fresh, tight palate is followed by fine, dense tannins. This is a wine built to last and for early drinking would benefit with decanting.
Pair with bone-in chargrilled steaks.
Wine Summary
86% Cabernet Sauvignon; alcohol: 14%; vineyards across the Bottelary Hills and Jonkershoek Valley; decomposed granite soils on Southwest-facing slopes; malolactic fermentation and aging for 18 months in 25% new French oak barrels, the balance in 2nd, 3rd, and 4th fill.
Technical Information
- 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Petit Verdot, 2% Malbec
- Alcohol: 14%
- Total Acidity: 6.0 g/l
- pH: 3.50
- Residual Sugar: 1.6 g/l
Reviews
92 Points
Aromas of red and black cherry, milk chocolate and sweet paprika. Medium-bodied with fine, slightly tight tannins. Juicy and fresh, with subtle nutmeg and clove notes adding welcome complexity. I like the classic structure here. Drink now.
jamessuckling.com, December, 2022
92 Points
A fresh, focused red, with black currant and black raspberry fruit showing lovely purity. Offers sculpted tannins that create a sleek frame, while accents of violet, iron, milled pepper and black tea leaves provide fine detail and linger on the racy finish. Drink now through 2029.
Wine Spectator, March, 2023
18 Points
Full bottle 1,307 g. 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Petit Verdot, 2% Malbec. TA 6 g/l, pH 3.47, RS 1.9 g/l.
Tasted blind. Rich and layered. Nuanced and quite exciting with a sweet, ripe tannic undertow. Long, clean, polished finish. 2024 – 2034
JancisRobinson.com, June, 2023
92 Points
The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Stellenbosch is fresh and ripe with layers of blackberry and juicy plum aromas. It is full-bodied, offering notes of pencil shavings with a hint of graphite before swinging back to show juicy fruit flavors emanating in layers of complexity. The palate is balanced with a beam of energetic acidity that races to the long-lasting, juicy finish with persistent blackberry and dark cherry skin essences. Bravo! This is fantastic juice. 2023 – 2035
© Wine Advocate, July, 2023
91 Points
Firmly structured and balanced, this Cabernet Sauvignon opens with subtle notes of dried fruit and plums. It has nice chocolate nib flavors mixed with cranberry and blueberry. Additional flavors include a potpourri of herbs that lend savory notes to the aftertaste.
Wine Enthusiast, October, 2023
General Info
| Country | South Africa |
| Region | (1) Costal Region (2) Cape South Coast |
| Appellation(s) | (1) Stellenbosch, Darling (2) Elgin |
| Proprietor | Neil Ellis |
| Founded | 1993 |
| Winemaker | Warren Ellis |
| Annual Production | 50,000 9L cases |
| Farming (Sustainable, organic, biodynamic) | Sustainable |
