Ernie Els, Proprietor's Blend, 2017

After hand-picking the fruit in the early morning ensuring the grapes came into the winery cool and were transferred to open-topped fermenters for the alcoholic fermentation. Medium to full-bodied, the nose is abundant in black fruit with exotic spices and bitter chocolate. There is blackcurrant foremost on the palate from the Cabernet Sauvignon with the Syrah element adding some savoury elements. A wine of great balance with well-integrated oak nuances.

The Ernie Els Proprietor's Blend is a blend of all of the six red grape varieties cultivated on the property. These vineyards grow on the warm north-facing slopes of the Helderberg region within the Stellenbosch appellation. All six varieties thrive under these conditions and deliver rich, full-bodied red wines. It was aged for 18 months: 70% in 300 litre French oak barrels and 30% in 300 litre American oak barrels. 50% of the wood was new.

About the grower

Ernie Els Wines was established in 1999, and from the outset the intention was to produce world class wines that mirrored the quality of some of the world's greatest bottles he had been fortunate enough to enjoy whilst playing. On his travels around the world, Ernie has been a great ambassador for South Africa and it was his desire that his wines do the same. The focus, discipline and commitment that Ernie displayed during his golf career were all brought to bear on his new project. Ernie chose Stellenbosch, right at the heart of South African winemaking, to create his winery and vineyards and for those of you lucky enough to visit the estate on the slopes of the Helderberg Mountain you'll find it manicured to perfection, both inside and out.

Louis Strydom is the man who crafts the wines at Ernie Els Wines and, ever since the first vintage in 2000, he has been regarded as one of the finest winemakers in the Cape. Ernie's love of Bordeaux is reflected in the choice of grape varieties planted and the wines produced at his estate, but they are all stamped with the unique hallmark of South Africa.

• ❖ ABV: 15%