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Ernie Els
The potential of the Els blend should not be underestimated. The delicate balance between ageing and accessibility must be closely followed, as this wine is made to age over a long period of time.
Colour: Crisp in texture and concentrated red.
Bouquet: Aromatic, intense dark berry and currant flavours with herbs.
Winemaker s tasting notes:
Dense and earthy with green pepper, plum and good extraction of wild berry flavours. An elegant wine, the finish is long and complex with dried fruit flavours lingering. Good clean tannins, the wine will benefit from cellaring
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Engelbrecht Els Vineyard
Els (Bordeaux style) and Jean Engelbrecht (Shiraz base style) crown their new venture. The different clones of Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot were vinified separatly in open stainless steel fermenters. Appearance: Crimson red with a bright rim. Aroma: The wine is prominent Cabernet Sauvignon characteristics of sandalwood, leather and tobacco aromas. These are supported by hints of spice from the Shiraz and a strong blackberry core. Full, juicy red fruits and floral aromas complete the bouquet. Palate: The Engelbrecht Els 2007 has a medium palate weight with tannins that are showing good integration and length. The Initial mineral impression is followed by juicy plum and black cherry flavours and concludes with a smoky coffee aftertaste. Impression: An accessible wine with a rich oak component that will benefit from further maturation, reaching its peak after 6 to 8 years. Jean Engelbrecht
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Cirrus Syrah Wine
This wine was matured for 18 months in a combination of new French and American Oak 300 litre barrels and is made in a typical Rhone style.
Appearance: Dark, intense.
Aroma: Rich, classic red fruit aromas, most notably plum and mulberries, are immediately prevalent on the nose, and supported by subtle floral aromas emerging from the small amount of Viognier added to the wine.
Palate: This initial orange peel impression from the Viognier is overpowered by attractive red fruit flavours on the mid palate. The wine shows ripe, oaky tannins and a well structured finish.
Impression: I believe we succeeded in capturing the very essence of both France (Rhone) and South Africa (Stellenbosch) in this wine. Jean Engelbrecht
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Big easy wine
The different clones of Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Merlot, and Petit Verdot are kept separate (micro-vinified) throughout vinification. Vinified in 300 litre French oak barrels for 15 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.
Appearance: Opaque with a vibrant red rim.
Aroma: Cedar wood and Sandalwood give way to a sweet smokiness and a subtle spice infused with cinnamon and cloves.
Palate: Soft pencil shavings and hints of pomegranate are backed up by a clean smokiness and lingering fresh red fruit flavours with a pinch of black pepper.
