Ernie Els Proprietor's Syrah 2017

Viticulture

The Syrah vineyards grow on the warm, north-facing slopes of the Helderberg region within the Stellenbosch appellation. With an altitude of approximately 250 metres above sea level, together with the cooling influence of the Atlantic Ocean, the ripening period can be extended, resulting in wines with phenolic ripeness.

Viniculture

The grapes were hand-harvested in the cool hours of the early morning. Whole berries were fermented in open top tanks and barrels with intermittent pump-overs and punch-downs to ensure a balance between flavour, colour and tannin extraction from the skins. All ferments were meticulously monitored to ensure that all the natural aromas and flavours were preserved. After primary fermentation, some tanks underwent extended maceration.

Tasting Notes

Deep garnet with a crimson core. Ground black pepper, hint of incense, violets in the undergrowth, bramble fruit, a youngberry freshness; the generous aromatics are sketched in by cigar box and vanilla toast. Youthful and energetic on the palate. Silken tannins coil around deep, dark cherry fruit, spiralling out in raspberries, plums, and cranberries. Spicy and savoury at the edges. Woven right through is a saline, lifted acidity, a hallmark of the 2017 vintage and its ratio of small berried bunches. Layered tannins build and melt into plummy juicy fruit, trailing to cacao nib and black cherries.

Technical Data

Wine of Origin: Stellenbosch

Alc 14.9% by Vol. - R.S 3.3 g/l - T.A. 5.6 g/l – pH 3.7

Aged for 18 months in French and American Oak (50% new)