The arrival of autumn at the Ernie Els Winery in Stellenbosch brings with it news of a bumper harvest, the release of an epic signature wine, and a mouth-watering new menu in the restaurant.
Indeed, this is always a busy and exciting time of the year at Ernie Els Wines. The 2015 vintage started with dry and warm conditions causing the grapes to race to ripeness. The almost perfect set period resulted in small and compact berries, which will lead to deep and concentrated wines. Early harvests normally mean great quality and Stellenbosch experienced the earliest harvest in four decades. Almost no rain during the harvest period ensured that the grapes were in perfect condition when picked. “We are extremely happy with the 2015 vintage,” comments winemaker Louis Strydom. “You can expect outstanding quality with an incredible ageing potential of the wines. We experimented with the basket pressing of hand selected super premium Cabernet Sauvignon to improve palate length and whole bunch fermentation of Syrah to provide a more spicy character.”
The team is excited also about the latest release of its flagship wine, Ernie Els Signature 2012, which continues Ernie Els and Louis Strydom’s vision of producing ultra-premium quality wine. Its predecessors have laid a solid foundation in establishing this wine as one of pedigree with the acquisition of global accolades.
Wine Cellar – Fine Wine Merchants & Cellarers’ wine specialist, Roland Peens writes: “The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon-led Bordeaux-style blend really shines in the epic 2012 Stellenbosch vintage. It shows an intensely purple rim and deep crimson core, leading to impressive concentration and startling depth. Pure and elegant, the finish lingers with juicy cassis and a salty, mineral tail. This is not the most powerful of Ernie Els Signature’s, but it perhaps holds the most impressive structure and will provide for long aging ahead. Enjoy now through to 2027+.”
To order your wine for home delivery (South Africa only), please click here. Alternatively, for information on our network of international distributors and agents, click here.
Meanwhile, highlights on the new restaurant menu include dry-aged beef sirloin with mixed mustard spread, served with roasted cherry tomatoes and potato chips; the perfect accompaniment to the bold flavours of the Proprietor’s Blend. Or maybe you’d like to spice-up these chilly days with the Mexican Beef Burger served with crispy bacon, tequila jam, pickled jalapenos, and smoked jalapeno mayo topped with a slice of cheddar cheese. On the lighter side, try our green salad with crispy apple, crunchy celery, avocado, Danish feta and grilled chicken or our pulled pork wrap with pickled red onion and rocket.
The Ernie Els Wines tasting room is open from Monday to Saturday, 9am to 5pm, with lunch served from Tuesday to Saturday, 12pm to 3pm. For reservations please telephone (021) 881 3588 or email tastingroom@ernieelswines.com. For more of the latest news from Ernie Els wines, please click here.
