Neil Ellis West Cost Sauvignon Blanc 2024

Neil Ellis Wines, established in Stellenbosch in 1993, has long focused on sourcing fruit from vineyards best suited to each varietal. For the West Coast Sauvignon Blanc 2024, fruit is drawn primarily from the Groenekloof area near Darling, where bush vines grow on rolling hills influenced by the cold Benguela Current and persistent south-easterly winds.

These maritime conditions slow ripening and help retain natural acidity, while morning mists contribute a subtle saline character often associated with the region. In the cellar, the approach is precise and measured: cool fermentation in stainless steel with neutral yeasts preserves aromatics, while extended lees contact builds texture without adding weight.

The result is a Sauvignon Blanc that balances freshness with gentle complexity - a style that reflects both site and a winemaking philosophy grounded in clarity and consistency.

Colour:
Pale straw with a faint green hue, signalling freshness and youthful vibrancy.

Nose:
Aromatic and lifted, showing passion fruit, melon and citrus zest, alongside green apple and subtle fresh herb notes. A light saline edge adds a coastal character.

Palate:
Light- to medium-bodied with a crisp, clean structure. Flavours of grapefruit, lime and ripe tropical fruit are supported by bright acidity. Lees ageing adds a soft, slightly rounded texture, preventing the wine from feeling overly sharp while maintaining energy.

Finish:
Fresh and dry with lingering citrus, a touch of minerality and a subtle salty note that recalls its ocean-influenced origin.