Modern, Post-War and Contemporary Art, Jewellery and Wine
Online-Only Auction, 12 - 19 October 2020
Wine
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About this Item
Neil Ellis pioneered the négotiant, or non-estate, concept of sourcing grapes from growers all over the Cape and producing wine from the early 70s and, today, has become a pillar and legend of the local industry. Neil’s vision has always been to ‘make distinctive, refined wines that are expressive of their terrain and rank amongst South Africa’s finest’ and, with more than three decades of Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon production under his belt, there are not many who could do it any better.
The Terrain Specific range is an expression of this vision. The mountain vineyards of the ward of Piekenierskloof, sourced from dry land bush vines, are known to produce the best Grenache expressions in the country. The vineyard that Neil sources from was planted in 1964 on their own roots, un-grafted and still completely disease-free.
Provenance
Producer
Critics Ratings
‘Rare gem from old block in Piekenierskloof always elegantly understated. Deserves decanting & contemplation, to reveal depth, complexity & rewarding drinking pleasure. 2010 more expressive in youth than 2009 (4 stars), both distinguished & ageworthy.’ – Platter’s SA Wine Guide, 4.5* (2013)
'Lush, offering cherry sauce, plum paste and cassis notes, with flickers of iron, bergamot and rooibos tea filling in on the dense, silky finish.’ – James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, 92/100 (Jun 2013)
‘Mid crimson and very sweet, obviously alcoholic but transparent too – Pinot Noir style rather than heavily macerated. A charmer though with a lot of oomph. Although 2010 is not conventionally thought of as a particularly good vintage, this seemed delightful to me.’ – Jancis Robinson, JancisRobinson.com, 17/20 (Jan 2015)