Wine Enthusiast - July 2006
By Mike Duffy

Neil Ellis Vineyard Selection Syrah 2003 - 89 Points
'The Jonkershoek Valley receives more rain than almost anywhere else in South Africa, but that hasn't negatively affected this wine. Big, chewy and warm, at 15 percent alcohol, this Shiraz has solid tannins and flavours of blueberry, coffee, earth and a touch of vanilla. The nose offers much of the same, with semisweet chocolate adding to the complexity. Finishes with good length and plenty of spicy fruit.'

Neil Ellis Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 - 90 Points
'This excellent Cab has a Bordeaux-like nose, with forest floor meeting meaty red fruit and oak. Big tannins offer great structure without overpowering, and the wine has enough acid to feel alive. Barnyard flavours show on the palate, accompanied by complex coffee and red berry. A juxtaposition of Old World structure and New World fruit - this is why South African wine can excel.'

Neil Ellis Shiraz 2003 - 88 Points
'Starts off with wonderful, very fragrant aromas of pepper, smoke, vanilla, tabacco, mint and ripe black currant. It's smooth in the mouth, with mouthcoating flavours of sweet purple fruit and oak spice caressing the tongue. The only flaw is that the oak is a bit overpowering, with vanilla shadowing the fruit.'

Neil Ellis Elgin Chardonnay 2004 - 90 Points
'Subdued yet elegant, with a heavily oaked, toasty vanilla nose. Big and plump in the mouth, this wine retains a creamy feel, its tropical fruit flavours taking some time to emerge. The long, lingering finish attests to the wine's depth of character.'

Neil Ellis Stellenbosch Chardonnay 2004 - 87 Points
'Compared to Neil Ellis's Elgin Chard, this one, from the warmer Stellenbosch region, has more banana and other white fruit components but less acidity. Plenty of oak character shows through, even some popcorn on the nose, finishes with a dash of spicy white fruit.'