Neil Ellis Wines ‘The Left Bank’ 2019, Western Cape, South Africa

Neil Ellis is a South African wine industry icon and one of the early pioneers to bring quality levels up to world class standards. The winery sits 5 miles east of the town of Stellenbosch in the Jonkershoek Valley. It was founded in 1993 with the philosophy to source grapes from the top growers of the region. Neil owns vineyards and sources grapes from the regions of Stellenbosch and Jonkershoek Valley to produce the well balanced and easy to drink wines under The Left Bank label. Vineyard profile: Multiple vineyards in the Western Cape region. Soils: Primarily clay loam with some granite and shale. Wine summary: 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 12% Malbec, 3% Syrah; 13.5% alcohol; multiple vineyards across the Western Cape region; predominantly clay loam soils with some granite and shale; fermented in stainless steel; pumpovers until dry, then further maceration; aged 16 months in 25% new French oak barrels, the balance in 2nd, 3rd and 4th fill barrels. Winemaker’s notes: Aromas of plums and berries with some spice add to the complexity of this wine. It remains fresh and lively with well-integrated oak. The palate is nicely textured with a complexity that holds interest.