Neil Ellis, Shiraz, Groenekloof, Darling, South Africa, 2012

Neil Ellis and his son Warren make a varied and excellent range of wines using fruit from four different vineyard regions: Elgin, the Jonkershoek Valley, Piekenierskloof and, the source of this wine, Groenekloof, near Darling on South Africa’s Atlantic coast. This is one of two Neil Ellis ‘Shirazes’ from Groenekloof (there’s a Syrah in the winery’s pricier premium vineyard-selection series) and there’s also a third from cooler-climate Elgin. It is sourced from unirrigated, low-yielding bush vines on decomposed granite and clay soils and aged in larger, 500-litre French oak puncheons.   Tim Atkin MW<br /> Lovely, aromatic, red-fruits nose. Subtle, refreshing and complex graphite-like mineral palate. Well balanced, with low-key winemaking. Meaty and complex.   Guy Harcourt-Wood<br /> Rich, spicy, dark fruit palate. Complex, chalky tannins with balancing acidity. Warm, lingering finish.   Greg Sherwood MW<br /> Dusty, chalky, graphite and woodsmoke notes. Minty, leafy sweet black plum and cherry spice. Textural and round, carries the alcohol well. Fragrant, sweet and complex. Palate complexity grows and grows.