2020 CABERNET SAUVIGNON, Ernie Els. Stellenbosch, SA

The 72 hectare Ernie Els vineyard is on the northern slopes of the Helderburg mountain. Vines planted around 1999, a new state of the art winery completed in 2004 (well worth a visit – great for casual, good value lunches).

Cabernet Sauvignon 94%, Shiraz 3.5%, Petit Verdot 2.5%; matured for 20 months in French oak (40% new wood each year).

Celebrities getting involved with wine is not often a recipe for success – rather an outlet for excessive ego. But winemaker Louis Styrdom is doing a great job here from vineyards high up on the northern slopes of the Helderberg mountain.

Powerful, rich, impressive Cabernet. Of course it will improve over 5 years, but with red meat this is delicious already.

95/100 in Decanter Magazine, September 2020 – “Combines fruit power with detail. Aromatics of blue and black fruit, some attractive herbal character plus oak spice on a plush and smooth-textured palate” (Christian Eedes).