Ernie Els Proprietor's Blend 2016

2016 was a difficult Stellenbosch vintage and the reduced yield of the vines resulted in good wines that were healthy and full of potential. After hand-picking the fruit in the early morning ensuring the grapes came into the winery cool and were transferred to open-topped fermenters for the alcoholic fermentation. Medium to full-bodied, the nose is abundant in black fruit with exotic spices and bitter chocolate. There is blackcurrant foremost on the palate from the Cabernet Sauvignon with the Syrah element adding some savoury elements. A wine of great balance with well-integrated oak nuances. 

Country: South Africa
Region: Coastal Region
Subregion: Stellenbosch
Vintage: 2016
Colour: Red
Grape Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah/Shiraz, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot
ABV: 15%
Bottle Size: 75cl
Closure: Natural cork
Style: Backward and brooding
Drink With: Roast beef, Yorkshire puddings and a postprandial nap

The Ernie Els Proprietor’s Blend is a blend of all of the six red grape varieties cultivated on the property. These vineyards grow on the warm north-facing slopes of the Helderberg region within the Stellenbosch appellation. All six varieties thrive under these conditions and deliver rich, full-bodied red wines. It was aged for 18 months: 70% in 300 litre French oak barrels and 30% in 300 litre American oak barrels. 50% of the wood was new.