Ruby with a translucent rim. Fresh cinnamon, all-spice and tobacco leaf curl across a mix of black and red cherries. Cabernet Sauvignon led, a component of Shiraz layers in spicy perfume and pine needle freshness. Hints of Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec add curves in all the right places with lashings of ink and cacao, red-peppers and tomato leaf. Utter harmony between medium-body and well-judged freshness acts as a springboard for the complexity of fruit and silky-smooth tannins.
Ratings/Accolades:
International Wine Challenge 2024 – Silver (90 Points)
Ratings/Accolades:
International Wine Challenge 2024 – Silver (90 Points)
The Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec were sourced from selected vineyard parcels on the Helderberg Mountain within the Stellenbosch appellation. The typical soils found on the Helderberg provide a rich middle-palate weight, giving the wine exceptional depth and fruit purity. With an altitude of approximately 250 meters above sea level together with the cooling influence of the Atlantic Ocean just 15 kilometers away, this extends the ripening period by up to 3 weeks resulting in lovely phenolic ripeness.
The grapes were harvested in the early hours of the morning when temperatures were coolest, before destalking and optical sorting took place. The wine was fermented in open-top stainless-steel tanks, with regular pump-overs and punch-downs to maintain a harmonious balance between color, flavor, and tannin extraction from the skins. The Shiraz component was partially whole bunch fermented to aid with flavor complexity and fruit intensity. Following the primary fermentation stage, each variety underwent extended maceration and additionally matured in concrete eggs or oak barrels, before blending and bottling took place.
Winemaker: Louis Strydom
The grapes were harvested in the early hours of the morning when temperatures were coolest, before destalking and optical sorting took place. The wine was fermented in open-top stainless-steel tanks, with regular pump-overs and punch-downs to maintain a harmonious balance between color, flavor, and tannin extraction from the skins. The Shiraz component was partially whole bunch fermented to aid with flavor complexity and fruit intensity. Following the primary fermentation stage, each variety underwent extended maceration and additionally matured in concrete eggs or oak barrels, before blending and bottling took place.
Winemaker: Louis Strydom
As one of South Africa's leading ambassadors and one of the most recognizable faces in the world of sport, it is befitting that Ernie chose Stellenbosch to produce his wines. In 1999 the concept of Ernie Els Wines was born and with the help of award-winning winemaker Louis Strydom, they produced the maiden, 2000 vintage of Ernie Els - a classic Bordeaux blend.
The marketing synergy between the wine and Ernie's classic golf swing were apparent. The intention from the outset was to focus on delivering a quality product that could hold its own in the company of the world's finest wines. Naturally the plan was to start on a small scale, ensuring the packaging and presentation, marketing and distribution, were of a standard that was in-line with their vision for a premium product.
The marketing synergy between the wine and Ernie's classic golf swing were apparent. The intention from the outset was to focus on delivering a quality product that could hold its own in the company of the world's finest wines. Naturally the plan was to start on a small scale, ensuring the packaging and presentation, marketing and distribution, were of a standard that was in-line with their vision for a premium product.
While men may dream different dreams, they are driven by the same quest: to reach for, and to accomplish perfection. No two pursuits bare the truth of this more than the perfect round of golf and the perfect bottle of wine. Ernie Els life has mirrored a passion for excellence, which has been clearly reflected in his exceptional sporting achievements. His focus, discipline and commitment have been the foundation of his success, and these factors are evident in his quest to produce premium wine.
