Ernie Els

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Ernie Els 2003 Limited Release Red (Stellenbosch)

Editors' Choice

Price $93

All the Bordeaux grapes are here, making this one of the most complete Bordeaux blends from South Africa. They go with the golfing legend of owner Ernie Els and the winemaking skills of Louis Strydom of Rust en Vrede to produce a very impressively elegant wine, which has delicious mint and smooth black fruit flavors over layers of dark tannins. Great aging… — R.V. (11/1/2006)

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Ernie Els 2004 Limited Release Red (Stellenbosch)

Editors' Choice

Price $93

A subdued, classic spice nose leads this impressive Bordeaux blend from powerhouse producer Ernie Els. The wine is structured but soft, vibrant but restrained—in short, an exceptional balance of leathery spice, plum and blackberry juiciness and delicate minerality. Very pretty but with a backbone, this wine can age for added elegance. — S.K. (3/1/2008)

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Ernie Els 2007 Signature Red (Stellenbosch)

Price $95

The 2007 vintage was generally a great one for Bordeaux-style reds in Stellenbosch, and the Els Signature definitely demonstrates it. Sure, it’s ripe and sexy with a lot of sweet oak characteristics like cocoa powder and smoky wood, but it’s got the ripe fruit core of black plum and dark forest berries to back it up. Spicy layers of leather, cigar box and black tea… — L.B. (5/1/2012)

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Ernie Els 2006 Limited Release Red (Stellenbosch)

Price $95

With only 336 cases imported, this Limited Edition red should be snagged up when seen. Herbal and fruity all at once with strong pepper and oregano aromas spicing up the black berry and cassis core. A touch of sweet cured meat, licorice, leather and roasted espresso appear on the finish, with assertive tannins filling the creamy mouth and lingering through the… — L.B. (6/1/2011)

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Ernie Els 2009 Merlot (Stellenbosch)

Online Exclusive

Price $25

A dark and rich style of Merlot, this wine boasts intense aromas and flavors of black forest berries, plum flesh, cocoa powder and pencil shavings. Succulent, with a creamy texture, the tannins are fine but mouth-coating and provide a good frame to the sultry flavors. Chocolate and cedar spice linger on the close. — L.B. (5/1/2012)

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Ernie Els 2008 Proprietor's Blend Red (Stellenbosch)

Price $35

Menthol and anise add depth to the otherwise black fruit-dominant bouquet of this wine. Rich and full, the creamy texture is loaded with flavors of blackberry, licorice root and cigar box, all lingering long after swallow. Firm tannins, medium acidity and concentrated fruit all promise longevity: drink now–2014. — L.B. (11/1/2011)

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Ernie Els 2009 Big Easy Red (Western Cape)

Price $20

This blend offers a nice mix of forest floor and wild berries along with soft accents of mocha and African violets. Lush and firm in the mouth, the dark fruit dominates the palate but the accents of leather, licorice and sweet spice linger through the long finish. Drink now–2013. — L.B. (11/1/2011)

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Ernie Els 2010 Big Easy Red (Western Cape)

Price $20

A kitchen-sink blend of 60% Shiraz, 20% Cab Sauv, 7% Grenache, 6% Mourvèdre, 4% Cinsault and 3% Viognier. Aromas of crushed violet petals are pitted against the intense mulled-raspberry and black-fruit core. Drinkable now, with approachable tannins and a dusty, cocoa-sprinkled finish, but could age until 2014. — L.B. (5/1/2012)

Most Reviewed Designations

Big Easy Limited Release Proprietor's Blend Signature

Most Reviewed Varietals

Bordeaux-style Red Blend Merlot Red Blend

2009 Va Piano

Having been given almost four years of age prior to release, this deep…

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