#WineRoutingWithLloyd - Ernie Els

Ernie Els is a well known name in not only the golfing world, but amongst wine enthusiasts too. Arriving at the Stellenbosch wine estate is truly something spectacular. The tasting room had been closed for a few years & only reopened in late November 2020.

It is thanks to the granite rich soil, that the Helderberg area is known to produce some really great Cabernet Sauvignon & Shiraz. Upon the walk to the tasting room, you are greeted by magnificent granite boulders that form a sort of a passageway & give a feeling of grandeur as you enter the tasting room that opens up with expansive views of the Helderberg mountains. 

The tasting room is like a luxurious family home - beautiful expansive decor, yet homely & inviting. Everything alludes to wine that is expressive, bold & big, whilst at the same time hinting at comfort & relaxation. If you are feeling adventurous, you can even tee-off from a spot right in front of the centre of the tasting room. 

The concept of Ernie Els was born back in 1999 & winemaker Louis Strydom released their maiden Bordeaux blend in 2000. Fast forward to today - there are 4 collections: Signature, Major Series, Big Easy & Proprietor\"s, each mainly focusing on expressive red wines. 

The Big Easy (Ernie\"s nickname) is the entry level blend of Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Mourvèdre & Viognier. It\"s all in the name here - it really is an easy drinking red that is big & bold, but with softer fruit characteristics on the nose & palate alike. Also in the Big Easy range is the Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé - the perfect drink for hot summer days. 

The Proprietor’s range is the where winemaker Louis Strydom allows the wine to be a true expression of the property & surrounds. (The granite rich soil is very evident in playing a part in shaping these wines.)

Definitely one of my favourites - the Proprietors Syrah. A beautiful dark wine with hints of purple hue as the light bounces through the glass. An aromatic wine on the nose, slightly sweeter than expected with some star anise coming through. Whilst on the palate a fruit forward wine with those hints of spices, it’s definitely a wine that I’d stock up on for the next 10/15 years to see how it develops over time. 

Snack on a cheese & charcuterie platter whilst enjoying the wine tasting that is perfect for 2 to share, with a selection of cheese, meats, olives & bread. Check out the wine tasting menu here.

#WineRoutingWithLloyd is driven by the #KiaSonet.

Top 5 Red Wines for Heritage Day

So it's almost Heritage Day! And knowing most South African's this is just another excuse to have a braai. (Well, at least in my house, I never need an excuse to put some lamb chops or a steak on the flames)

And if I'm not having a cold beer, I'm definitely opening a bottle of red wine to enjoy. So I decided to have a quick share of my Top 5 Red Wine picks for this Heritage Day - 24 September 2020, that I'd look at adding to my shopping list this week. 

Sharing them in no real order. Alphabetically always works well, but to be different here they are from Z to A.

1. La Motte - 2018 Millennium (Franschhoek)

An exceptional wine, resulting from a harvest that was smaller than anticipated, yet yielding grapes with distinct flavours. The various varietals - Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot & Malbec; were all matured separately for 12 months in oak barrels. On the nose - ripe red raspberries & creamy toffee with a complement of slight herbaceous & earthy aromas. Always lovely when what you smell carries through onto the palate when tasting. Flavours of blueberries develop as the wine lingers & the acidity keeps the wine fresh the whole way through. 

Paired with Rump Steak & a Creamy Mushroom Sauce.

2. Four Cousins - 2019 Collection Cabernet Sauvignon (Robertson)

The youngest on the list, but most definitely ready to drink. Cabernet Sauvignon; globally, being the biggest selling wine, brings a smooth dark chocolate & mocha aroma to the nose. Whilst dark ripe blackcurrant flavours develop on the palate. Again, it's ready to drink - a nice silky smooth finish & mouth-feel. 

Paired with everything Shisa Nyama, (Especially the lamb chops)

3. Ernie Els - 2017 Major Series Cabernet Sauvignon (Stellenbosch)

One of those real Stellenbosch Cab Sauv's. Ripe red fruits - berries, strawberries & cherries initially hit the nose, followed by slight cigar notes & then a touch of freshness. Some tight tannins on the palate accompanied by black & red fruits, with a touch of liquorice that comes through nice & soft. A beautiful wine with some serious aging potential. 

Paired with a Pepper Crusted Fillet.

4. Creation - 2018 Syrah Grenache (Walker Bay)

A magnificent dark purple in the glass. But when the light touches it just right, you'll see flashes of deep crimson. A 75% Syrah & 25% Grenache blend that gives you a nose of ripe black olives that are complemented by a some white pepper. On the palate, leaning towards a very well full-bodied blend that has intense flavours of ripe plums, spices & an elegant smokiness that adds some mystery. The acidity is just right & is going to give you fantastic aging ability on this bottle.

Paired with Steak (with some extra fat) & Curried Beans.

5. Blaauwklippen - 2017 De Blaauwe Klip (Stellenbosch)

A Bordeaux blend for the books. The 5 varietals are harvested from 9 Blaauwklippen sites & knowing the aging takes place in oak barrels lets you know you're in for a treat. Enticing notes of dark plums & warm dark chocolate pudding fill your glass whilst hinting at a bit of a cigar box. A surprisingly vibrant palate, that lends itself to smooth, velvety texture. Something between a full & medium bodied wine for me, but has a beautiful lasting aftertaste. Another bottle that will do well being kept for a few years. 

Paired with the Malva Pudding for Dessert.

What's on your braai this Heritage Day? And more importantly, what will you be pairing it with?