Neil Ellis
Cabernet Sauvignon Jonkershoek – 2013
Region: South Africa - Stellenbosch
Neil Ellis
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.
Grapes / Soils
100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Jonkershoek
The majority of the Jonkershoek Valley is a nature reserve well known for its fynbos, trails and waterfalls but it is the mouth of the valley that is known for its distinctive conditions best suited for grape growing. The 40ha of vines on the Oude Nektar farm were planted during an ongoing replanting program that started in 1990 introducing the latest soil preparation techniques and best plant material. The south facing slopes are significantly cooler than the surrounding area of Stellenbosch and a howling South Eastern wind during the summer months cools down the vineyards considerably, minimising vine disease and holding down yields. The soils are mostly deep, red clay soils. Vineyard altitudes range from 190m to 550m above sealevel.
The Wine
Vineyard Profile
- The Jonkershoek Valley and more specifically the south facing slopes are of the coolest sites in Stellenbosch.
- Well established trellised vineyards planted on a northwest facing slope on well-drained decomposed granite soils.
- These vineyards have access to supplementary irrigation.
Harvest Notes
- Cold and wet winter conditions and a relatively warm and dry summer resulted in good and even budding.
- Harvest commenced on 15 March 2013 .
- Grapes were harvested 25.8°B with a total acid of 7.3 g/l and a pH of 3.4.
Winemaker's Notes
- This is the signature Cabernet Sauvignon of Neil Ellis. It is a distinctive style with all the hallmarks of the Jonkershoek Valley and known for its distinctive balance of elegance and fruit power.
- Medium intense ruby red colour.
- Restraint aroma but deep, complex perfumes of blue and black small berry fruit.
- Cedary aromas and touches of mint, so typical of a Jonkershoek wine.
- The palate is smooth and plush followed by fine, but dense tannins.
- A ripe, soft tannin vintage with savoury expression.
- This limited release wine demonstrates the distinctiveness of specific vineyard sites and represent our finest quality.
Wine Summary
- Made from Cabernet Sauvignon grapes.
- Vines age – planted 1992 – 2010.
- Grown on decomposed granite soils in Jonkershoek Valley.
- Fermented in stainless steel tanks.
- Malolactic fermentation completed in French oak barrels.
- Aged in French oak barrels, 25% new, for 18 months before bottling.
Technical Information
- 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
- Alcohol: 14.0%
- Residual Sugar: 1.7g/l
- Total Acid: 5.4g/l
- pH: 3.7
Miscellaneous
Double Gold Medal – 2016 Veritas Competition South Africa
Reviews
92 Points
(14% alcohol; aged for 18 months in new French oak): Healthy red-ruby. Lovely lift to the aromas of plum, raspberry and menthol complicated by spicy, cedary oak and floral notes. Densely packed and ripe, with a very suave texture and distinctly high-pitched red fruit, mint and spice flavors. Very firmly built, tight wine with a serious spine–but no hard edges–for aging. Finishes with tongue-dusting tannins and lovely perfumed lift. Classic, youthfully backward Cabernet with finesse, precision and a light touch but also serious structure.
Vinous, May, 2017
General Info
| Country | South Africa |
| Region | Western Cape |
| Appellation(s) | Stellenbosch, Darling/Groenekloof, Elgin |
| Proprietor | Neil Ellis |
| Founded | 1993 |
| Winemaker | Warren Ellis |
| Annual Production | 50,000 9L cases |
| Farming (Sustainable, organic, biodynamic) | Sustainable |