Neil Ellis (South Africa) Sauvignon Blanc 2001
I have just returned from a fantastic trip to South Africa, where I visited dozens of producers and tasted many hundreds of wines. This is a beautiful country with fantastic wine-making conditions. Following the isolation brought about by apartheid, South Africa has spent the last decade redefining its role in the world of wine. Amongst the many passionate and forward-thinking winemakers is Neil Ellis, whose modern, vibrant, elegant wines are part of the South African flagship. This Sauvignon Blanc is typical, coming from low-yielding vineyards in the Groenekloof area. It has punchy, passionfruit and lychee aromas, with lots of luscious ripeness and a little freshening hint of green bean. The palate has apricot and tropical fruit character, with a broad, weighty mid-palate and a fine streak of lime-fresh acidity. Long, pure and oozing finesse, this is world class Sauvignon Blanc. Selected Safeway 7.99