94
points
Ernie Els 2004 Limited Release Red (Stellenbosch)
-
$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)
90
points
Ernie Els 2009 Merlot (Stellenbosch)
-
$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)
88
points
Ernie Els 2010 Big Easy Red (Western Cape)
-
$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)