All fruit was sourced from the Ernie Els Wines property whose vineyards grow on the warm north-facing slopes of the Helderberg region within the Stellenbosch appellation. 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.
The grapes are hand-picked in the cool of 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, colour and tannin extraction from the skins. All ferments are meticulously monitored during fermentation to ensure that all the natural aromas and flavours are preserved and highlighted as required. After primary fermentation some tanks and barrel will undergo extended maceration as required.
Notes of menthol and a touch of eucalyptus adds a fresh counter point to the dark, brooding fruit, typical of this vintage. Warm oak notes add gravitas and a luxurious attraction to the nose. It leads to a palate that teems with rich fruit and notes of cherry tobacco, with a further herbal edge and grippy lead pencil on the finish. A touch leaner than other vintages, this wine is nonetheless sumptuous, with dry, defined tannins and a silky, yet serious end. It will require a year or so for the lick of oak to amalgamate.
Wine of Origin: Stellenbosch
Cabernet Sauvignon 60%, Merlot 25%, Cabernet Franc 5%, Malbec 5% & Petit Verdot 5%
Alc 14.92% by Vol. -R.S 2.4 g/l. T.A. 6.3 g/l. pH 3.60
Aged for 20 months – 300 litre French Oak barrels (70% new)
Tim Atkin - 93 Points
