Neil Ellis, Shiraz, Groenekloof, Darling, South Africa, 2012

95
Tasted by: Tim Atkin MW, Guy Harcourt-Wood, Greg Sherwood MW
Drinking Window: 2014 - 2022
Neil Ellis and his son Warren make a varied and excellent range of wines using fruit from four different vineyard regions: Elgin, the Jonkershoek Valley, Piekenierskloof and, the source of this wine, Groenekloof, near Darling on South Africa’s Atlantic coast. This is one of two Neil Ellis ‘Shirazes’ from Groenekloof (there’s a Syrah in the winery’s pricier premium vineyard-selection series) and there’s also a third from cooler-climate Elgin. It is sourced from unirrigated, low-yielding bush vines on decomposed granite and clay soils and aged in larger, 500-litre French oak puncheons.   Tim Atkin MW<br /> Lovely, aromatic, red-fruits nose. Subtle, refreshing and complex graphite-like mineral palate. Well balanced, with low-key winemaking. Meaty and complex.   Guy Harcourt-Wood<br /> Rich, spicy, dark fruit palate. Complex, chalky tannins with balancing acidity. Warm, lingering finish.   Greg Sherwood MW<br /> Dusty, chalky, graphite and woodsmoke notes. Minty, leafy sweet black plum and cherry spice. Textural and round, carries the alcohol well. Fragrant, sweet and complex. Palate complexity grows and grows.
Producer
Neil Ellis
Brand
Shiraz
Vintage
2012
Colour
Red
Country
South Africa
Region
Groenekloof
Alcohol
14.50%
Grapes
Syrah / Shiraz