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Neil Ellis is one of the pioneers in South Africa when it comes to terroir expressions of certain grape varieties. They produce two single varietal Cabernet Sauvignons, namely the Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon and the Jonkershoek Cabernet Sauvignon. Jonkershoek is one of the best-performing areas in Stellenbosch for Cabernet Sauvignon. I recently sat down with Neil Ellis himself and we did a blind tasting on the two Cabernet Sauvignons. It happened that glass number one was the Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon and that was my first impression: Cabernet Sauvignon from Stellenbosch. When I tasted glass number two, with the Jonkershoek, my first impression was CABERNET SAUVIGNON!
In the glass, the Jonkershoek Cabernet Sauvignon has a deep ruby colour with a great consistency up to the rim. On the nose, it offers a complex medley of blackcurrant, black cherry, green bell pepper and cedar. It follows through on the nose with complex notes of blackcurrant, black cherry, liquorice, bell pepper and cedar, with a hint of tobacco leaf. It has a great tannin structure that is firm but not overpowering. It finishes with fresh notes of liquorice and mint leaf. It has a great length.
The Neil Ellis Jonkershoek Cabernet Sauvignon is one of those wines that will entice the drinker, you would want to share it with friends and probably highlight it as a great wine when you have it for the first time. I had several people sending me pictures of their Neil Ellis wines that arrived, with exciting messages about how much they enjoyed it. It is an ideal wine to have with a ribeye steak or T-bone and a baked potato. Although not necessary, it can be decanted about 30 minutes before serving. It can be enjoyed now or cellared for the next 15-25 years (I recently had a Neil Ellis Cabernet Sauvignon 1986 and, except for a fragile cork, it was still in a great condition). This is a fantastic wine!
Producer: Neil Ellis Wines
Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon 100%
Vintage: 2018
Origin: Jonkershoek, Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa
Winemaker: Warren Ellis
Closure: Cork
Alcohol: 14.5%
RS: 1.8g/l
Average price: R520
Rating: 96/100
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