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iwc wine agent of the year 2009
Wines > South Africa > Ernie Els > 2005 Ernie Els

2005 Ernie Els

Tasting Note:

Appearance: Plum red with a thin red rim. Aroma: The aroma of the wine is fruit driven with combination of the black fruits plum, cherries and blackberries. The fruitcake aromas are rounded off by a subtle oak spice to the finish. There are also distinctive earthy undertones to this claret. Palate: The fruit from the aroma follows through onto a seductive mid-palate, supported by a silky mineral feel with hints of oak and backed by a sweat tannin finish.

Independents Note:

Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Malbec Cabernet Franc Petit Verdot The nose is still quite tight but there are lots of complex flavours trying to push through and showing themselves. Blackcurrant and sloe enrich the palate with underlying truffle adding to the complexity. The tannins are firm at this stage but feel quite rounded and not aggressive. The complexity of the flavour mix is starting to show towards the back. Drink from 2011 onwards. Derek Smedley MW 95 points Concentrated and very polished, with layers of black mission fig, currant confiture, maduro tobacco, black tea and mocha-infused toast all gliding over supersupple tannis. Very long and poised. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2012. 94 points James Molesworth - Wine Spectator Insider Jan 7th 2009

Grapes:

Cabernet Sauvignon 59% Merlot 25% Petit Verdot 6% Cabernet Franc 5% Malbec 5%

When to drink:

This wine offers great middle palate complexity with a lingering spicy finish. Drink now through to 2015.
Analysis
Alcohol:15.19%
Acidity:6.00 g/l
pH:3.80
Sugar:3.6 g/l
  • Vinification
  • Viticulture
  • Medals
The different clones of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot are kept separate (micro-vinified) throughout vinification. Vinified in 300 litre French oak barrels for 20 months, the wine underwent bottle maturation for a further 18 months. This wine is made in a full robust style and has the potential to age.
Mediterranean with the rainfall at about 650mm per annum, the EE vineyards are located high up on the northern slopes of the Helderberg Mountain. This contribution imparts warmer fruit flavours to the wine. In summer, the vineyards’ close proximity to the Atlantic Ocean result in cool sea breezes that keeps temperatures lower, extending the ripening period. The soils are deep red and are a mixture of weathered / decomposed granite and Hutton. A small percentage is made up of clay and Clovelly.
  • 2009  Decanter World Wine Awards 

    Gold
  • 2009  International Wine & Spirit Competition 
    Stellenbosch & Wards 2005 - 2004
    SILVER AWARD