Tasting Notes, June 2009
Cirrus 2006 Syrah
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
Ernie Els 2005
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.
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 sweet tannin finish.
Impression: “This wine offers great middle palate complexity with a lingering spicy finish. Drink now through 2015.” – Jean Engelbrecht
Big Easy 2006
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.
Engelbrecht Els Proprietor's Blend 2007
The different clones of Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot were vinified separately in open stainless steel fermentors. The combination of punch down and pump overs ensure maximum extraction of grape flavours and tannins. The wine was matured for 18 months in 300 liter oak barrels. 80 % of the barrels were new, and 80% were French oak and 20% were American White oak.
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 - 8 years” – Jean Engelbrecht
To purchase these wines, or any others in the Ernie Els Wines portfolio, check out the list of official distributors; just click here.
