Wine Composition
100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Winemakers Comments
A fragrant unspooling of red berries, just plucked off a wintery branch, cool and incandescent. The aromas deepen to the darker tones of cassis, brambleberries and black cherries. The vivid fruit is overlaid with a hint of balsam, sketched in with woody spice, fresh cinnamon, touches of vanilla smoke and classic cigar box.
Awards
John Platter | 94 points (2017)
Technical Analysis
Alcohol Percentage
14.38%
RS
2.6 g/l
pH
3.61
Cellar Techniques
Different hand-picked bunches of the various Cabernet Sauvignon clones, as planted on the estate, arrive at the winery. Great care is taken to ensure that all clones from various block are kept separate. The bunches are sorted, destemmed and berries are sorted again via an optical sorted. The whole berries are fermented in open top tanks. Premium selection grapes from selected parcels within the various clonal blocks are fermented in smaller open fermenters. Intermittent pump-overs and punch downs ensure that right flavors, aromas and tannins are extracted from the berries. All ferments are meticulously monitored during fermentation to ensure the right balance between flavors and tannins are achieved. After primary fermentation some tanks will undergo extended maceration if required. Each clonal batch of Cabernet is maturated separately (micro-vinified) in oak barrels before blending. All these different batches and the various characteristic of the Cabernet clones make up the final blend of Cabernet Sauvignon.
Winemaker
Name - Louis Strydom
Winery
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.
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.
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