Neil Ellis
Chardonnay Whitehall Elgin – 2022
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.
The Wine
Vineyard Profile
Vineyards close to the Whitehall farm, where Neil Ellis produced the first certified wine from Elgin. It is one of the Cape’s coolest viticultural areas with an average temperature of 68ºF/20°C in February.
- Altitude: average 985 feet/300 meters
- Exposure: South-facing slopes
- Soil: White mineral sandstone and quartz with clay subsoil
- Vine Training System: Trellis
Harvest Notes
- Hand harvest began a week later than typical, March 3 – March 24, 2022
- Whole cluster pressed
- 100% barrel fermented in 35% new, 225 liter, fine-grained oak barrels, the balance in 2nd and 3rd fill barrels
- 25% of wine underwent malolactic fermentation
- Aged 9 months in 228 liter barrels
Winemaker's Notes
Bouquet of citrus, acacia blossoms and flinty mineral. A tightly structured palate and the bouquet blend into subtle harmony. This wine combines grace with a well-defined character and a remarkable concentration and balance.
Wine Summary
100% Chardonnay; alcohol: 13%; cool-site vineyards near Whitehall farm in Elgin; grown in white mineral sandstone and quartz on clay subsoils; grapes whole cluster pressed; 100% barrel fermented in 30% new, 228L French oak barrels and balance in 2nd and 3rd fill barrels; 25% of wine completed malolactic fermentation; aged 9 months in 228L French oak barrels.
Technical Information
- 100% Chardonnay
- Alcohol: 13%
- Total Acidity: 6.37
- pH: 3.06
- Residual Sugar: 2.0 g/l
Reviews
93 Points
Neil Ellis was one of the pioneers in Elgin, way back in 1990, and his son Warren continues to make impressive wines from the region. This racy, refined, well-balanced Chardonnay is a case in point, with pear, lemon and nectarine flavours, toasty 33% new wood and a scoop of “cream” from 25% malolactic. 2024 – 2028
Tim Atkin MW-timatkin.com, June, 2024
95 Points
Decanter World Wine Awards 2024. Genteel, refined and elegant with vivid lime citrus and green apple vitality countered by the broad creamy breadth and well-knitted oak. Beautifully long and flinty.
Decanter, June, 2024
92 Points
I like the smoked almond and roasted hazelnut undertones to the citrus and stone fruit. It’s medium- to full-bodied, flinty and creamy, with delicious smoky and savory elements. Sustainable. Drink now.
jamessuckling.com, September, 2024
17 Points
Full bottle 1,364 g. Selected site close to Ellis’s pioneering Elgin Sauvignon Blanc.
Quite a rich nose (lots of bâtonnage perhaps?) but then an extremely delicate palate with real poise. Very, very lightly reductive. The 2023 doesn’t seem to be available yet but the 2022 has good international distribution and is almost given away. Just a hint of the South Atlantic in here. Lovely stuff, such a delicate touch in the winery. Delicacy not austerity. The flavour goes on and on. 2024 – 2029
JancisRobinson.com, July, 2024
92 Points
A pure core of golden apple, pear and persimmon fruit is enriched by a well-meshed thread of toasty brioche, roasted vanilla and chopped hazelnut accents. Shows length and depth of flavor, but its deftly honed acidity provides racy definition and drives the flavor profile on the lasting, mineral-laced finish. Drink now through 2036.
Wine Spectator, March, 2026
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 |