Neil Ellis pioneered the négotiant, or non-estate, concept of sourcing grapes from growers all over the Cape and producing wine from the early 70s and, today, has become a pillar and legend of the local industry. Neil’s vision has always been to ‘make distinctive, refined wines that are expressive of their terrain and rank amongst South Africa’s finest’ and, with more than three decades of Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon production under his belt, there are not many who could do it any better.

‘Unblended. 1992 and 1994 particularly fine examples, concentrated cassis fruit layered between ample oak, fairly tight tannins, striking balance between overwrought astringency and simple accessibility. Deep-tasting, ending with classy, dry chalkiness, specially 1994. Best of the Bunch, a Cape Benchmark.'  Platter's SA Wine Guide 1997