Neil Ellis new releases

Neil Ellis is the first person in the wine industry to work as a serious negociant releasing a Riesling, a Sauvignon Blanc and a 1984 Cabernet Sauvignon in 1986. From 1993, Neil Ellis Wines was based at Jonkershoek Valley farm Oude Nektar (home also to Stark-Condé Wines) but, as the years went by, it became appropriate for the operation to have its own facilities, these located at the foot of the Helshoogte Pass, first wines made here in 2015, any grapes sourced from Jonkershoek Valley no longer from Oude Nektar but Klein Gustrouw, owned by businessman Jannie Mouton and farmed by Warren, son of Neil. Tasting notes and ratings for the new releases as follows:

Insignium Semillon 2020
Price:  R330 – tasting room only
Grapes from Jonkershoek Valley. Matured for eight months in barrel, one-third new. White peach, apple, soft citrus, hay and a hint of waxy character on the nose. The palate is light yet textured with seemingly moderate acidity and a gently savoury finish. Alc: 12.5%.

CE’s rating: 91/100.

Amica Sauvignon Blanc 2021
Price: R330
Grapes from Jonkershoek Valley. Includes 10% Semillon. Matured for eight months in barrel, some 20 new. Complex aromatics of white peach, lime, kiwi fruit, white pepper and some reduction. The palate is well balanced with dense fruit, punchy acidity and a dry finish. A wine of real  presence. Alc: 13%,

CE’s rating: 94/100.

Whitehall Chardonnay 2022
Price: R330
Grapes from Elgin. Matured for nine months in 228-litre barrels, 35% new. Pear, peach, green apple and a brush of vanilla on the nose while the palate is subtle and refined – already quite open but equally layered and harmonious. Alc: 12.5%.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

Piekenierskloof Grenache 2020
Price: R330
Grapes from a block planted in 1966. Destemmed and matured for 14 months in barrel, 25% new. Red berries, herbs, spice and some earthiness. The palate has both weight and breadth (alcohol is 14%) with well-integrated acidity and powdery tannins. Whereas many examples of this variety tend to triviality, this is not the case here.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

Rodenos 2020
Price: R450
60% Shiraz, 30% Cinsaut (both from Groenekloof) and 10% Piekenierskloof Grenache. 30% whole-bunch fermentation. Red and black berries, fynbos, earth, pepper and other spice on the nose. The palate has good fruit weight, fresh acidity and fine tannins. Solidly built and satisfying to drink – layers of flavour, the finish long and savoury.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
Price: R260
Grapes from Jonkershoek Valley and Bottelary. 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot, 6% Cabernet Franc and 3% Malbec. Matured for 18 months in barrel, 25% new. Red and black berries, some leafiness and a hint of reduction. Medium bodied and well balanced with relatively soft tannins – open and approachable, a vintage for early drinking.

CE’s rating: 89/100.

Jonkershoek Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Price: R550
Grapes from Jonkershoek Valley. Majority matured for 18 months in 100% new oak but includes a unoaked portion. Cassis, violets, some leafiness, earth and pencil shavings on the nose while the palate is succulent and supple – great fruit purity, punchy acidity and firm but fine tannins. Full but simultaneously tightly wound, this is very accomplished. Alc: 14%.

CE’s rating: 96/100.

Insignium Cabernet Franc 2018
Price: R550 – tasting room only
Grapes from Jonkershoek Valley. Red and black berries, floral perfume and dried herbs on the nose. The palate is luscious but not overwhelming – good fruit weight and powdery tannins, the finish pleasingly dry. Alcohol is 14.5% and some will appreciate the richness on offer while others might want a bit more brightness.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

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