Ernie Els Proprietor’s Blend 2009

This has to be the finest vintage of the Proprietor's Blend yet! A cool, concentrated ripening season resulted in an elegant yet resolute wine of great demeanor. The nose is finely tuned cassis, a touch of earth, graphite and meat spice. The silky structure is built like a sky-scraper, towering over a full-bodied, deeply textured palate. Cabernet Sauvignon and the other Bordeaux cultivars produce a classic feel, with 21% Shiraz adding a spicy, savoury complexity. The finish is once again extremely fine and elegant.

In the Cellar

Grape bunches were gently destalked with a Bucher de-stalker and lightly crushed. On the sorting table, all excess stalks and rotten berries were removed carefully by hand. Fermentation took place in 7-ton, open top, stainless steel tanks with yeast WE 372 being added to the juice. The wines were pumped-over and punched-down manually 5 times per day ensuring maximum colour extraction from the skins. After primary fermentation the maceration period was 14 days before pressing. Each variety was separately vinified and blended after the 18 months of maturation.

Cooperage: Aged for 18 months - 70% in 300 litre French oak barrels & 30% in 300 litre American oak barrels.
Production: 2,300 x 6 x 750ml cases