Neil Ellis Wines
op sy moer – 2018
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.
Reviews
92+ Points
An intensely cerebral wine, the 2018 Op Sy Moer is a blend of 45% Grenache Blanc, 28% Palomino and 27% Chenin Blanc. A natural wine, it was produced sur lie, unfined and unfiltered, which appears in the glass as a murky core. On the nose, there is a mineral-rich essence and bright citrus tones, a slight nuttiness and elements of endive and arugula. Medium-bodied, it incredibly has an almost electric mid-palate with vibrant acidity and textural, mineral tension that is both complex and ethereal. The wine continues to unfold and unpack its secrets, offering up layers of citrus tones with dusty essences that summersault across the long, lingering finish. I’m simply awestruck with this wine and how food friendly it is, making this one of the best natural wines that I have tasted this year! It contains 11.5% alcohol. 2021 – 2028
© Wine Advocate, May, 2021
