Neil Ellis - Cabernet Sauvignon | South African Red Wine

VINEYARDS:
Well established trellised vineyards planted on Southwest facing slopes on well-drained decomposed granite soils from the Bottelary hills and Jonkershoek valley. These vineyards have access to supplementary irrigation. 2016 winter was the 2nd year of drought conditions in the Western Cape of South Africa with little rain that fell in the winter of 2016, followed by a relatively warm and dry summer. Early budding resulted in an early harvest season.

WINEMAKING TECHNIQUES:
Fermentation is initiated in stainless steel tanks. The de-stemmed grapes underwent a series of pump overs until dry. Further maceration is allowed before drawing off and light pressing. Malolactic fermentation was completed in new French oak barrels. This wine spent 18 months in 25% new French oak barrels and the balance is 2nd , 3rd and 4th fill.