Neil Ellis Wines

11) The Bottelary Road (M23) from Cape Town traverses this ward with a shale dominant geology to the north, gaining a more granitic and sandstone composition at higher elevations. The vineyards are primarily north and west facing. There is a strong influence from both bay breezes, especially on the hilltops. Though rainfall is relatively low, there is abundant humidity, giving rise to thin cloud cover that provides respite from the summer heat. This delivers powerful, textured wines with abundant fruit concentration.

Link to Interactive Cabernet Sauvignon Map:https://neilellis.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/NE_CabStory_Map_FA_with-buttons.pdf

10) As the M12 rises and dissects this ward, the Polkadraai Hills lie to the north where they connect with the Bottelary-berg. Underpinned by granite and shale geology, a range of soils comprising decomposed granite, gravel and clay provide ample drainage in wet winters and enough moisture to nourish vines during summer. As with other micro-climates in the west, it is characterised by a diversity of elevations and aspects. The summits of the hills have an unguarded channel to the two bays, producing fresh and intense wines.

Link to Interactive Cabernet Sauvignon Map:https://neilellis.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/NE_CabStory_Map_FA_with-buttons.pdf

9) Following the bank of the Eersterivier south along the R310, lies the Vlotten-burg ward. Its granite-derived soils and south-facing slopes (peaking at around 160m), produce complex, concentrated wines. As the river heads further south-east, the geology changes to a shale composition. The abundant sedimentation, humidity, and coolness from the Eersterivier and False Bay winds promotes refinement. The clay subsoils retain moisture, allowing longer hang-time, producing wines with intense flavour, weight, and vibrant fruit purity.

Link to Interactive Cabernet Sauvignon Map:https://neilellis.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/NE_CabStory_Map_FA_with-buttons.pdf

8) To the west of Polkadraai and Bottelary,the Kuilsrivier flows south down the western border of the Stellenbosch district. Near Vlaeberg, the soils transition in parallel bands from granite to shale, to decomposed sandstone closer to the river. These south to west facing vineyards continue in a crescent shape as the Kuilsriver drains into the Eersterivier. At this intersection, the low-lying sandy vineyards of Faure, Raithby and Firgrove reflect the harvest heat, promoting ripeness held in check by fierce onshore breezes to produce bold wines with purity.

Link to Interactive Cabernet Sauvignon Map:https://neilellis.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/NE_CabStory_Map_FA_with-buttons.pdf

7) Directly south, and to the southwest of the Stellenboschberg and Helderberg, lie their respective basins. Above the Annandale Road, where the Bloukliprivier meets the eastern bank of the Eersterivier, the geology is mostly granite, with a seam of sandstone. South, the Bonterivier makes its way through Raithby to the Eersterivier, where the soils are mostly granitic. The complex layers of iron-rich subsoils provide optimal drainage. A temperate environment with north-west facing slopes make the wines complex even in their youth.

Link to Interactive Cabernet Sauvignon Map:https://neilellis.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/NE_CabStory_Map_FA_with-buttons.pdf

6) The Helderberg has two orientations. To the northwest, the Bonterivier runs through its foothills towards the Eersterivier. The up to 500m vineyard altitude and granitic soils promote even ripening to deliver harmonious wines with structure and finesse. The south-east facing side is one of the windiest areas in South Africa. Here, the Lourensrivier splits its microclimate. In the valley, the south-western facing vineyards and deep ferric soils produce ageable, restrained wines. On the southern bank, the south-east facing Schapenberg vineyards rest on granite which, with a strong maritime influence, yields fruit intensity and freshness.

Link to Interactive Cabernet Sauvignon Map:https://neilellis.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/NE_CabStory_Map_FA_with-buttons.pdf

5) To the east of the R44 lies the Stellenboschberg with its cap of Table Mountain sandstone, rocky ridges and a granitic belly. As you head south, the Bloukliprivier, fed by the Moordenaars and Paradys tributaries, carves out a steep kloof of complex soil layers and terraces. The strong afternoon breeze from False Bay and dramatic rise in elevation constrains growth of the southerly facing vineyards. Balanced by moderate temperatures, wines here are refined yet have explosive fruit and texture.

Link to Interactive Cabernet Sauvignon Map:https://neilellis.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/NE_CabStory_Map_FA_with-buttons.pdf

4) Going east, the Jonkershoek Valley lies between the heights of the Banghoek ward and the terraces of the Stellenboschberg. The Jonkers-hoekrivier, fed by substantial rainfall, carves its way through the windswept gulley, creating a source for the Eersterivier. The mostly south-westerly facing slopes have a complex geology, with pockets of sandstone, and a core of shale surrounded by granite. The sedimentation produced by the waterways render rich, deep topsoils with a clay substructure, lending powdery tannins and fruit purity to its wines.

Link to Interactive Cabernet Sauvignon Map:https://neilellis.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/NE_CabStory_Map_FA_with-buttons.pdf

2) To the north-east along the R44, the towering 1200m peaks of the Simonsberg spawn the Klippiesrivier. Parallel to this, the Kromrivier absorbs the Plankenburg and joins the Jonkershoekrivier, forming the Eersterivier. The dramatic changes in elevation provide the perfect environment for swirling winds to cool the primarily south-west facing slopes during the growing season and harvest. The high rainfall enables dryland farming, while the decomposed granitic soils are deep, promoting fruit flavour and striking, compact tannins.

Link to Interactive Cabernet Sauvignon Map:https://neilellis.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/NE_CabStory_Map_FA_with-buttons.pdf

1) The Papegaaiberg ward crests at 250m and comprises shale with granitic influence in the south-west, and sandstone to the south-east.
Along the R304, the basins of the Simonsberg and eastern Bottelaryberg straddle the Plankenburgrivier. Here, the soils have an alluvial sandstone signature and deliver mineral notes. The hills on either side have deep red soils, influenced by shale, adding richness. The varying exposures on the hills continue over Kriekbult towards Joostenburgvlakte, providing abundant complexity. As you head closer to Klapmuts, soils take on a granitic profile, imbuing wines with restraint.

Link to Interactive Cabernet Sauvignon Map:https://neilellis.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/NE_CabStory_Map_FA_with-buttons.pdf

For decades Neil has studied the nuances and intricacies of Stellenbosch's diverse wards to sculpt an individualistic wine with personality, depth and staying power – a worthy tribute to the City of Oaks. Each vintage is a captivating chapter in the ever-evolving Stellenbosch Cabernet story.

Therefor, we have developed a series of videos, showcasing the beauty Cabernet Sauvignon and Stellenbosch Terroir.

Stay tuned as we discover 12 distinct wards within the Stellenbosch winelands.
Link to Interactive Map:https://neilellis.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/NE_CabStory_Map_FA_with-buttons.pdf