Ernie Els has always been a name synonymous with passion and dedication, and the Ernie Els Major Series wines are no exception to this. Skilfully crafted by winemaking legend, Louis Strydom, the Major Series range is the perfect complement to the upcoming Major Tournaments, where Ernie made a name for himself in the past with four Major Championship wins.
As a rich and full-bodied wine, carefully crafted from nine Cabernet clones grown on the slopes of the Helderberg, the Major Series Cabernet Sauvignon deserves a spot in every wine enthusiast’s collection. With 50 hectares under vine, 60% of Ernie Els’ vineyards are devoted to the “King of All Grapes”, Cabernet Sauvignon, with dedicated blocks facing north and north-east to absorb as much sunlight as possible – an aspect crucial to creating rich and flavourful wines.
The 2018 Major Series Cabernet Sauvignon, awarded double gold by Veritas and 94 points in the “Winemag Cabernet Sauvignon Prescient Report” (among other industry titles), is a sophisticated and refined choice for wine lovers and golfers alike; boasting a complex bouquet of dark fruit, woody spice, and vanilla, with a powerful palate that lingers on the finish. Its partner, the 2019 Major Series Merlot, was awarded 4.5 stars in the 2023 “Platters Wine Guide” and is contrastingly different from its Cabernet counterpart, with a softer and more approachable character. Its herbaceous profile is dominated by notes of red cherries and raspberries, with a subtle hint of tobacco spice: Tell-tale traits of a quality vintage. These acclaimed wines are available at the winery’s Tasting Room as part of the Major Tasting (R135) as well as online and in selected retailers.
Not only have Ernie Els Wines chosen to honour their namesake with the powerful Major Series duo that reflects his golfing success, but they also pay tribute to him through their other ranges, and with a trophy room dedicated to his career. The chamber features many of his original trophies and awards, serving as a reminder of his outstanding achievements; all to be enjoyed whilst wandering the winery, dining at the farmhouse inspired restaurant, touring the state-of-the-art cellar or browsing the well-stocked vinothéque.
Following another successful harvest, all indications from the winery suggest that once again the farm’s focus on producing confidently New World Cabernet is evident with this year’s crop. Whilst the 2023 grapes shall spend a minimum of three to five years maturating before they reach our palates, one can be rest assured that the Ernie Els Major Series will always be worth adding to your vino collection.
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