Neil Ellis Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon 2017

Showing what Stellenbosch as a collective can do with Cabernet Sauvignon, this award-winning celebrates the noble variety within a multi-vineyard blend. It pays tribute to the culture rich town of Stellenbosch from which grows a reputation of innovation, originality, resourcefulness and creativity; the core principles of winemaking.

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 2^nd 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. 

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 2^nd , 3^rd and 4^th fill.
Bottled in December 2018.