Neil Ellis Wines

South Africa

Neil Ellis is considered to be one of the most influential pioneers of the modern-day South African wine industry. His vision, the pursuit of quality, extended out of the cellar and into the vineyards where varieties would excel and best express a particular style of wine reflective of their environment. Today, the experience and knowledge of the past are applied to modern techniques and technologies for a new generation of winemaking. “Our vision remains to make distinctive, refined wines that are expressive of their terrain and rank amongst South Africa’s finest. A pursuit of quality, nothing less.”

Still very much involved in the active operation of the winery, Stephanie and Neill Ellis are joined by their children Warren (Chief Enologist) and Margot (Brand Management). The team at Neil Ellis Wines believes in responsible environmental practices. They are committed to respecting the soil, cutting water use, recycling and reducing energy use and greenhouse emissions. They are a member of the IPW, a voluntary environmental sustainability program, and comply to their regulations.

Wines

Groenekloof Sauvignon Blanc · Profile

The Groenekloof vineyards are located near Darling on the West Coast and consist of a series of hills running parallel to the ocean. These bush vines are low yielding vineyards, delivering a refreshing, well-structured wine with bright, tropical aromatics. The palate is elegant with delicately detailed tropical fruits and subtle herbacious undertones. A lively acidity and a refined minerality add to the complexity of the wine.

SKU 830589

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Groenekloof Sauvignon Blanc · Pairing

The Groenekloof Sauvignon Blanc is a delightful, elegant aperitif and socializing wine. It pairs well with summer salads, grilled fish, poultry, and shellfish.

Neil Ellis West Coast Sauvignon Blanc · Profile

Bush vines grown on the rolling hills of Groenekloof yield the distinctive fruit used to make this Sauvignon Blanc. The cooling effect of the Benguela Current and the ever-present south-east wind leave a most delicate imprint of salinity on the grapes. An extended period on its lees creates texture and viscosity in this utterly refreshing, delightful white wine.

SKU 876707

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Neil Ellis West Coast Sauvignon Blanc · Pairing

The birthplace of this wine is known for its uncomplicated, free-spirited lifestyle. The simple preparation of quality ingredients – for instance fresh fish or shellfish on the braii – fully come to life when paired with this West Coast Sauvignon Blanc.

Neil Ellis Short Left Cinsault · Profile

Cinsault is one of South Africa’s oldest varieties, but still very unheralded. In a world dominated by heavier wines like Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, this Cinsault charms with a lighter, fresher style with bright berry flavours. Soft, powdery tannins complement the savoury earthiness of the wine leading into a finish with lingering spice and a surprising complexity.

SKU 878688

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Neil Ellis Short Left Cinsault · Pairing

This style of red wine lends itself to be paired with flavourful dishes such as seafood paella, Indian curry, Szechuan chicken, or a barbecued burger.

Groenekloof Syrah · Profile

The Syrah grapes from the Groenekloof vineyard were handpicked from low yielding bush vines. They produce a medium bodied wine with vibrant colours. The aroma is full of enticing dark fruit with contributing spicy undertones. There are lingering savoury notes in the long finish, accentuated by fine, elegant tannins.

SKU 843990

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Groenekloof Syrah · Pairing

This wine pairs very well with braised pork belly and roasted chicken. With its earthy tones, it also stands up well to Indian inspired cuisine.

Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon · Profile

The aim with this wine is to show the potential of Stellenbosch as a region with Cabernet Sauvignon. It has an intense dark colour with youthful hints of purple. Aromas of complex black berries combine with notes of cedar. The palate shows fine, dense tannins leading into a long finish. Built to last and age, the wine will benefit from decanting when consumed at an early age.

SKU 830591

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Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon · Pairing

The elegant tannins of this wine complement flavourful protein dishes such as grilled steak, roasted red meats, and venison.

Neil Ellis Whitehall Chardonnay · Profile

The grapes for this premium Chardonnay is close to the Whitehall farm from where Neil produced the first certified wine from Elgin. These vineyards are positioned on south-facing slopes of which the soil is mainly white mineral sandstone and quartz on a clay sub-base. The vines are trellised and have
access to supplementary irrigation. The philosophy is to craft Chardonnay of great purity, reflecting the site and vintage in which it was grown.A judicious use of barrel fermentation (35% new French oak barrique, the reest in second passage barrels) aqdds an elegant and not overpowering elegqantcomplexity.

SKU 830590

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Neil Ellis Whitehall Chardonnay · Pairing

A harmonious Chardonnay with a tightly structured palate and bouquet This wine combines grace with a well-defined character and a remarkable concentration and balance. A great wine to enjoy in good company, elevating the experience of good conversation and food. Pairs well with salmon, shellfish, and smoked duck.

Neil Ellis Bottelary Pinotage · Profile

Just outside Stellenbosch lie the rolling hills of the Bottelary region, creating a unique terrain for the cultivation of Pinotage. Well-established 25-year-old bush vine vineyards with access to supplementary irrigation. South-west facing slopes and grown on decomposed granite. This limited release wine demonstrates the distinctive vineyard site that produces a medium bodied, elegant Pinotage that has been described as one of the best examples of the variety in the world. 50% of the wine spent 14 months in new oak barrels, the other half the same amount of time in neutral barrels.

SKU 101871

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Neil Ellis Bottelary Pinotage · Pairing

With its well-balanced earthy flavours with rich undertones of black berries, this Pinotage pairs well with venison, braised oxtail, and dark chocolate. It makes for great company in front of a roaring fireplace, perhaps complemented by qa good cigar.

Neil Ellis Piekenierskloof Old Vine Grenache · Profile

The mountain vineyards of Piekenierskloof, a stone throw from the majestic, high altitude Cederberg Wilderness Area, are known to produce outstanding Grenache sourced from dry land bush vines. The oldest Grenache bush vines were planted in 1966 on their own roots, un-grafted and still completely disease-free, complementing the elegance, finesse, and sweetness of fruit in the wines. The extreme temperatures of the Piekenierskloof can range between dry, hot days to extremely cold nights. The soils are mostly Table Mountain sandstone and shale. The fermentation was initiated in stainless steel tanks and completed in a combination of new (25%0, second (25%), and larger neutral French oak barrels (50%).

SKU 105146

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Neil Ellis Piekenierskloof Old Vine Grenache · Pairing

For a typical South African experience, we recommend pairing it with traditional bobotie. This Grenache also pairs well with rack of lamb and a flavourful cassoulet.

Neil Ellis Jonkershoek Cabernet Sauvignon · Profile

This is Neil’s signature Cabernet Sauvignon that laid the foundation to his reputation as the King of South African Cabernet Sauvignon. It is distinctive in style with all the hallmarks of the Jonkershoek Valley, known for its balance of elegance and power. At harvest, grapes were de-stemmed and underwent a whole berry fermentation. Malolactic fermentation and aging for 18 months took place in French oak barrels.

SKU 830593

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Neil Ellis Jonkershoek Cabernet Sauvignon · Pairing

A great choice for any formal dinner. Pairs well with venison, prime rib roast, and ribeye steak.