Wine Composition
60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, 5%
Cabernet Franc & 5% Malbec
Winemakers Comments
Perhaps the most serious Ernie Els Signature yet, the 2011
is a brooding, powerfu Bordeaux-style blend produced from prime
vineyards in the Helderberg appellation of Stellenbosch.
Predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon, the purple edge and pitch black
core immediately points to its unwavering nature and shadowing
depth. Time in the glass uncovers notes of candied orange,
cardamom, clove and dark olives, leading to an intense palate that
shines with graphite and cassis. It has a towering structure built
on a foundation of crunchy tannins and pure fruit, all solidified
by fine yet spicy oak. Long and rewarding, the tail finally ends
with a touch of salted liquorice. This is best cellared for 5 to 10
years as the heady tannins integrate further.
Awards
4.5 Stars - Platter's Wine Guide 2014
Veritas Wine Awards 2012 - Silver Medal
Technical Analysis
Alcohol Percentage
14.74%
TA
5.9 g/l
pH
3.53
RS
2.9 g/l
Vineyards/Vintage
The Hutton Clovelly soils contain a high gravel content
which offers rich middle palate weight giving this wine exceptional
depth and fruit purity. Each variety is separately managed to
create unique and varied flavour profiles for this classic,
‘Medoc-style’, Bordeaux blend. With an altitude of approximately
250 metres above sea level together with the cooling influence of
the Atlantic Ocean just 15 kilometres away, this extends the
ripening period by up to 3 weeks resulting in lovely phenolic
ripeness.
Cellar Techniques
Grape bunches were gently destalked with a Bucher
de-stalker and lightly crushed. Fermentation took place in 7-ton,
open-top stainless steel tanks with yeast WE 372 being added to the
juice. The wines were pumped-over and punched-down manually 5 times
per day ensuring maximum colour extraction from the skins. After
primary fermentation the maceration period was 10 - 16 days before
pressing. Each variety is maturated separately (micro-vinified) in
oak barrels before blending and eventual bottling.
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.
** THIS WINE IS NOT ELIGIBLE FOR
DISCOUNTS
