Neil Ellis Short Left Red Blend 2024

The Producer

Neil Ellis is one of South Africa’s most respected négociant-winemakers, pioneering the concept of site-specific winemaking since 1986. Based in Stellenbosch’s Jonkershoek Valley, Neil Ellis sources fruit from the country’s finest terroirs — from Darling’s windswept Atlantic slopes to Piekenierskloof’s ancient bush vines. The cellar is now guided by winemaker James Sobey, who continues the tradition of letting each vineyard speak for itself. Tim Atkin MW consistently rates Neil Ellis among South Africa’s top producers.

Vintage & Terroir

The Short Left Red Blend NV brings together five varieties from multiple South African regions, each chosen for its unique contribution to the final blend. Cabernet Sauvignon provides the structural backbone, Grenache adds warmth and red-fruit generosity, Cinsault lends a silky mid-palate, Merlot contributes plummy roundness, and Malbec brings depth and colour. By blending across sites and vintages, winemaker James Sobey crafts a wine greater than the sum of its parts — consistent, complex and endlessly drinkable.

In the Cellar

Each variety was vinified separately to preserve its individual character. After fermentation, the components were matured for 14 months in French oak barrels — a mix of new and older wood — to integrate tannins and add subtle spice and toast complexity. The final blend was assembled after extensive tasting trials, then given a further period of settling before bottling. The result is a polished, medium- to full-bodied red with excellent balance between fruit, oak and structure.

Tasting Notes

Deep ruby-red with a violet rim. The nose offers layers of dark plum, blackcurrant, dried herbs and a touch of mocha from the oak maturation. On the palate, ripe dark-berry fruit is supported by fine-grained tannins and a savoury, earthy undertow. Hints of black pepper, cinnamon and tobacco leaf build through the mid-palate, leading to a long, satisfying finish. This is a serious blend that doesn’t take itself too seriously — perfect for any occasion.

Food Pairing

A versatile food wine that shines alongside braai’d lamb chops, bobotie, slow-cooked oxtail or a rich mushroom risotto. Equally enjoyable with a mature cheddar cheese board or simply on its own by the fire. Serve at 16–18 °C. Drinking beautifully now with the potential to develop further over the next 3–5 years.

Technical Details

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