Ernie Els - 'Proprietor's Blend' Blend, Stellenbosch - 2017 (750ml)

Wine Composition

60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Shiraz, 5% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 5% Malbec & 5% Petit Verdot 

Winemakers Comments

Baking spices, dark chocolate and black, vibrant fruits hint at the power to follow. Complex aromas of pure cassis, meat and oak spice lead to a well-integrated fruit center with dense, but finely-tuned tannins. This is a wonderful blend where the components are expressive but well-balanced and the whole is so much more than the parts. Powerful, explosive and medium to full-bodied with the precision of 2017 shining through to a long-defined finish. 

Awards

Tim Atkin | 94 points

Technical Analysis

Alcohol Percentage

14.57%

RS

2.8 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 metres 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.