2006 Ernie Els Stellenbosch Red Blend

Stephen Tanzer
"92(+?) pts ... (a blend of 65% cabernet sauvignon, 20% merlot and 5% each petit verdot, malbec and cabernet franc): Full, bright ruby-red. Tight, pure aromas of cassis, black cherry, mint and crushed rock. Creamy, sweet and deep but with a firm shell for aging. Powerful yet fine-grained wine with terrific medicinal reserve. Finishes with very fine, building tannins and a note of menthol. Lay this one down." --03/11

Winemaker's Notes
"The 2006 Ernie Els Signature has a solid, supremely deep garnet coloured core. Notes of luxurious chocolate, cr�me de cassis and roast beef shower a rich, titillating structure. This classy Bordeaux-style blend is prodigious powerful yet impeccably pure and sleek. The high cabernet franc component adds a fine, glossy texture and seamless length. Exotic and sensual in its youth, expect the plush fruit and structure to interlace and command further complexity with age."

Technical Notes
"65% Cabernet Sauvignon/20% Merlot/5% Petit Verdot/5% Cabernet Franc/5% Malbec. 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. 14.7% alc."