Ellman Family Vineyards

Ellman Family Vineyards is a small production of premium wines from Napa and Sonoma, specializing in Pinot Noir and Bordeaux Blends. They truly create high quality wines from only the finest of grapes. Neil Ellman, owner and proprietor, visited us at Friends of Wine and lead us through an intimate tasting where he shared every step of the process from when he first decided he'd turn his love for fine wine into owning his own production facility.

Each of the Ellman Family Vineyards wines are named after a family member. This family-style spirit was surely visible during his presentation, as Neil was so open, honest, and easy to talk to. Wine can be mystical and mysterious at times, but he lead us through the entire winemaking process and allowed students to interact and ask questions, eliminating any confusion. So far, Ellman Family Vineyards produces 100% Pinot Noir and a couple Bordeaux style blends. What sets these wines apart from some others is attention to detail and complete handcraftsmanship. At EFV, their grapes are all handpicked and passed through a "sorting table". The sorting table is a process in winemaking which not every winery does, that ensures only the top quality of grapes (those without raisoning, rot, or debris) enters the final product. In addition to attention to detail, another factor which makes these wines so desirable is availability. Right now, the total production of all EFV wines is a mere 750 cases a year! And in South Florida, these wines are only available at high-end restaurants (keep your eyes peeled at Michy's and Capital Grille).

 

As with any industry, change is inevitable. It is always important to evolve with society, culture, and of course the economy. Neil Ellman states that his goal for the future of Ellman Family Vineyards is to eventually reach 5,000 cases annually. Also, he is thinking about one day dabbling in the whites department, and may even venture to do a rosé  or port.



TASTING NOTES:

"Amanda" Pinot Noir 2010- Their first Russian River Pinot with fruit from Amber Ridge, a top class vineyard in the Russian River Valley. A combination of bright fruit notes and jammy pie on the nose, maintaining a full mouthfeel.

"Alexis Skye" Pinot Noir 2010- Fruit from the Sonoma coast, influenced by coastal fog and cool Pacific air; a perfect environment for Pinot Noir. Dark fruit, blackberry, with hints of minerality over palate.

"B.B" Napa Red 2009- 60% Canerbet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot. Red rasberry and fleshyfruit with hints of chocolate both in flavor and silkiness.

"Jemma" Napa Valley Proprietor Blend 2009- Profound flavor, intensity and depth, with a large backbone of Cabernet Sauvignon. Dark and inky in color, heavy tannins balanced by finely structured acid. Dark coco, toasty oak, and vanilla.

 

 Our Friends of Wine team thanking Neil Ellman with a "Ceritificate of Appreciation".