Neil Ellis Piekenierskloof Grenache 2021

The Producer

Neil Ellis is one of the doyens of South African wine — a pioneer who began sourcing single-vineyard fruit across the Cape in the early 1980s, long before “terroir” became a buzzword here. Based in Stellenbosch’s Jonkershoek Valley, the estate is now guided by Neil’s son Warren (Cape Winemakers Guild member since 2017), who continues the family philosophy: find exceptional sites, then get out of the way. The result is a portfolio that has earned 5 Platter’s stars four times for the flagship Jonkershoek Cabernet, consistent 90+ ratings from Tim Atkin MW, and acclaim from Wine Spectator, Wine Enthusiast and James Suckling. This Grenache sits in the Inspirational Series — small-batch, site-driven wines that showcase truly exceptional terroir.

Vintage & Terroir

Piekenierskloof is South Africa’s unofficial “Grenache HQ” — home to some of the oldest, most prized bush vines in the country. The vines that produce this wine were planted in 1966 on Table Mountain sandstone and shale, at altitude near the majestic Olifants River Mountains. These are ungrafted, own-rooted dryland bush vines — low-yielding, deeply concentrated, and carrying nearly six decades of viticultural heritage in every berry. Greg de Bruyn, writing in the John Platter Wine Guide, calls this “the Cape’s oldest grenache noir” — and the terroir delivers accordingly. Cool mountain air and extreme diurnal temperature swings preserve acidity and build aromatic complexity that no young vineyard can replicate. This is living history in a bottle.

In the Cellar

Winemaker Warren Ellis treats these ancient vines with the respect they deserve — minimal intervention, indigenous yeast fermentation, and 14 months in French oak (25% new, with the balance in 2nd and 3rd passage larger barrels). The oak is a frame, not a feature — it supports the fruit without overwhelming it. No fining, gentle handling throughout, and bottled to preserve every ounce of the vineyard’s character.

Tasting Notes

Vivid crimson with a luminous rim. The nose is immediately perfumed — red cherry, ripe raspberry, dried herbs, white pepper and a subtle spice complexity that only comes from genuinely old vines. On the palate, this is Grenache at its most refined: silky, fine-grained tannins frame rich plummy fruit with a savoury, earthy undertow. The finish is long, warm and persistent, with lingering notes of garrigue and cinnamon. Powerful but graceful — a wine that commands attention without raising its voice.

Platter’s 4.5 Stars (93 Points) — Greg de Bruyn awards this outstanding recognition, noting: “Low-yield bushvines deliver varietal essence with impressive weight & extract. 2020 succulent red berry fruit with beguiling floral & spice notes grounded in silky tannins.” Tim Atkin MW awarded the 2012 vintage 93 points — and the wine has never looked back. This is the Neil Ellis Grenache that made Platter’s sit up and take notice.

Food Pairing

Outstanding with slow-roasted lamb shoulder, Moroccan tagine with apricots, duck breast with cherry reduction, or a rich tomato-based pasta. This is a wine that loves the braai — try it with sosaties or a butterflied leg of lamb with rosemary. Equally impressive alongside aged hard cheeses or a hearty mushroom risotto. Serve at 16–18 °C. Drinking beautifully now with the structure to age gracefully for 8–10 years.

Technical Details

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