Ernie Els Big Easy Blend 2021
R200,00
Ruby with a plum core. Lifted, joyful floral aromas; hibiscus and potpourri, then an undercurrent of Crà¨me de Cassis; red berries and blueberries sprinkled with white pepper spice. There are fresh herbs too; bay leaf and sage taper into the scent of fresh rain. Shiraz-led the spice and silk of the cultivar unwinds into opulent tones on the palate of clove-studded plum pudding, lashings of wild purple berries along a structured backbone of cabernet. Super juicy and charged. Paper-fine tannins brush alongside a lemony, springy acidity to the finish, which is equal parts bright and appetisingly dry. Superb drinkability without sacrificing concentration.
More Information
Specifications
In the cellar
The grapes were harvested in the early hours of the morning when temperatures are coolest, before destalking and optical sorting took place. The Shiraz component was partially whole bunch
fermented to aid with flavour complexity. The remaining whole berries were then fermented in open top tanks and terracotta amphorae, where regular pump-overs or punch-downs were
performed to maintain a harmonious balance between colour, flavour, and tannin extraction from the skins. Throughout the fermentation process, close attention was paid to ensure that the natural aromas and flavours were preserved and accentuated as necessary. Following the primary fermentation stage, some vessels underwent extended maceration. Each variety was aged
independently in oak barrels or amphorae, a process known as micro-vinification, before blending and bottling took place.
In the vineyard
The 2021 Vintage was the first vintage where the vines started to come back into their normal circadian rhythm with the rain and temperatures normalizing. This vintage started with the soil at
full water holding capacity allowing the vines to bud with no limitations. The temperatures this season were relatively hot but had intermittent cooler days with rain. This led to stretching the
ripening of the fruit to allow the ripening process to continue for longer. The Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Mourvà¨dre, Grenache, Cinsault and Viognier 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 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.
Ageing
12-14 months
Cultivar
Shiraz 60%; Cabernet Sauvignon 19%; Mourvà¨dre 6%; Viognier 6%; Grenache 5%; Cinsault 4%
Awards and Recognition
Decanter World Wine Awards - 90 Points (Silver)
