Ernie Els Wines head winemaker Louis Strydom has once again crafted a superb wine for the 2014 edition of the annual auction of the Cape Winemakers Guild (CWG), an elite group of winemakers.
His Ernie Els CWG from the superb 2012 vintage is a blend dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon (60%), with portions of Syrah (30%) and Merlot (10%) and is regularly one of the stand-out offerings on this annual auction. Respected wine journalists Stephen Tanzer (Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar) and James Molesworth (Wine Spectator) both had the opportunity to taste, comment and rate. For Tanzer it was the highest rated among this years’ auction offerings, while Molesworth placed it equal top marks with two other wines. This is what each of them had to say:
Stephen Tanzer (Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar) – 93+ Points
Bright saturated ruby. Elegant, inviting nose offers scents of raspberry, smoked meat, truffle, espresso, licorice and spices. Juicy and very intense but still a bit youthfully clenched, offering fine-grained nicely delineated flavors of cassis, exotic spices and smoky minerality. A very successful, energetic blend, with a serious spine of tannins to support a long and graceful evolution in bottle. Really spreads out on the back end without leaving any impression of heaviness. Still a baby. 14.5% alcohol; 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Shiraz and 10% Merlot.
James Molesworth (Wine Spectator) – 94 Points
Features a core of boysenberry, blackberry and plum confiture flavors, studded with anise and bay notes. The finish gives way to well-tanned leather and black tea accents, showing an echo of iron. Holds ample grip in reserve. Serious juice. Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Merlot. Best from 2016 through 2022. 50 cases made.
The CWG is an association formed over three decades ago. Innovation, benchmarking and the sharing of knowledge in the pursuit of winemaking excellence are the fundamentals of this elite group of winemakers. It has grown to what is currently a membership some 45 affiliates strong. Their talents will be showcased through rare and unique wines up for auction on Saturday, October 4 2014.
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