Ernie Els Signature 2017
R900,00
Deep garnet with ruby core. Evocative aromas of cedar, crushed mulberries, heirloom tomatoes dug out of the soil, sweetened by cassis opulence and refreshing hints of bouquet garni with lavender flowers. Classic and refined, the nose unspools with new leather, newspapers from the press, and cinnamon dusted plum. The 2017 vintage delivered concentrated fruit and this is evidenced on the weighty palate; showing off dark curves lined in velvet tannins. Sappy cassis and black cherry coalesce along a plummy line of acidity. The tannins are perfectly rounded by time in the bottle and draw the ample fruit into a beautifully dry finish that lingers with resonance.
More Information
Specifications
In the cellar
The grapes were hand-harvested in the cool hours of the early morning. Whole berries were fermented in open top tanks and barrels with intermittent pump-overs and punch-downs to ensure
a balance between flavour, colour and tannin extraction from the skins. All ferments were meticulously monitored to ensure that all the natural aromas and flavours are preserved. After primary fermentation, some tanks will undergo extended maceration. Each variety was matured separately in oak before final blending.
In the vineyard
All fruit was sourced from the Ernie Els Wines property, with vineyards that grow on the warm north-facing slopes of the Helderberg region within the Stellenbosch appellation. Each variety is
separately managed to create unique and varied flavour profiles for this classic Bordeaux-style blend. 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.
The previous growing season had its challenges, which seemed to roll over into the 2016/2017 growing season with the continuation of the drought. Winter 2016 was quite dry with even less rain than the previous year. Spring was an illusion as we basically went straight into warmer summer days. Bud burst was good due to sufficient soil moisture, but with the warmer spring/summer weather the soil started losing moisture quickly which naturally reduced shoot growth. The vineyard then naturally focuses its energy on developing and ripening the small bunches. Smaller berries led to more concentrated colour and flavour. The dry conditions also led to the vineyards and grapes being very healthy overall. With moderate, but warm days during December and January we saw the start of harvest return to its normal date. The uninterrupted warmth during harvest also helped the bunches reach optimal ripeness while the berries steadily developed.
their flavours over a slightly longer period of time.
Cultivar
Cab Sauvignon 60%, Merlot 25%, Cab Franc 5%, Malbec 5%, Petit Verdot 5%
Awards and Recognition
Decanter World Wine Awards - 95 Points (Gold)
