Wine Composition
60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Shiraz, 5% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc. 5% Malbec & 5% Petit Verdot
Winemakers Comments
The Proprietor’s Blend is once again impressive and serious in 2016. Medium- to full-bodied, it is strewn with black fruits, exotic spice and shards of dark chocolate. Sweet, spicy oak melts into a dense, powerful, fruity and structured core. The majority Cabernet Sauvignon gives a cassis purity and salty edge, while the Shiraz component adds a meaty, savory and spicy edge. This wine is exquisitely textured and finely tuned and can easily age for a decade or more.
Awards
Tim Atkin | 92 points
Technical Analysis
Alcohol Percentage
14.84%
TA
6.1 g/l
pH
3.81
RS
3.21 g/l
Vineyards/Vintage
The Proprietor’s Blend is a blend of six varieties that are grown on the property. These vineyards grow on the warm, north-facing slopes of the Helderberg region within the Stellenbosch appellation. These particular varieties thrive under these conditions and result in rich, full-bodied red wines. With an altitude of approximately 250 meters above sea level, together with the cooling influence of the Atlantic Ocean, the ripening period can be extended, resulting in wines with phenolic ripeness.
Cellar Techniques
The grapes are hand-harvesting in the cool of the early morning. Whole berries are fermented in open top tanks and barrels with intermittent pump-overs and punch-downs to ensure a balance between flavor, color and tannin extraction from the skins. All ferments are meticulously monitored to ensure that all the natural aromas and flavors are preserved. After primary fermentation, some tanks will undergo extended maceration. Each variety is matured separately in oak before final blending.
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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