Dark and winey, showing good energy as mouthwatering bramble and savory notes race through the core of dark currant and blackberry pate de fruit flavors. Reveals a strong graphite edge on the finish, with an echo of singed bay adding range. Still has some unwinding to do. Drink now through 2020. 60 cases imported.??–JM??Region: South Africa / Western Cape / Coastal Region / Stellenbosch / Jonkershoek Valley Select to Add

This shows muscle and purity, with a broad swath of tannins leading the way for now, offering a lovely core of steeped red currant, blackberry and black cherry fruit. Energetic iron and savory notes line the finish. Should settle in after some cellaring. Best from 2015 through 2020. 390 cases made.??–JM??Region: South Africa / Western Cape / Coastal Region / Stellenbosch / Jonkershoek Valley Select to Add

Neil Ellis’s flagship 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Vineyard Selection has a very expressive nose of dusty black fruits, dried blood, mushroom and a touch of sandalwood all with fine delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with fine, quite supple tannins with impressive freshness and acidity. The finish offers touches of mocha and cedar that linger nicely in the mouth. This is a very fine Cabernet with plenty of character.Neil Ellis was a glaring omission from my report last year, so it is time to remedy that situation with one of Stellenbosch’s most consistent producers. Neil Ellis himself worked at KWV and Groot Constantia before bottling wines under his own name in 1986. He was then joined by winemaker Hans Peter Schroder and in 2006 by Neil’s son Warren Ellis.Importer: Vineyard Brands Inc, Birmingham AL; Tel: (205) 980-8802.

A grippy, briary style, with cassis bush, currant paste, tobacco and mineral notes backed by a well-structured finish. Should age nicely. Best from 2009 through 2011. 1,000 cases made, 300 cases imported.??–JM??Region: South Africa / Western Cape / Coastal Region / Stellenbosch / Jonkershoek Valley Select to Add