Ernie Els new releases

Louis Strydom, managing director and winemaker at Ernie Els Wines on the Helderberg, has long impressed with accomplished Cabernet Sauvignon and Cab-based blends. With the release of the new Proprietor’s-designated wines, he demonstrates other areas of expertise.

Proprietor’s Old Vine Chenin Blanc 2025
Price: R350
NEW. From two blocks planted in 1988 at the foot of the Helderberg on granite. Fermented and matured for nine months in oak barrel, a ceramic oblong called a Clayver and amphorae. Aromatics of pear, peach, lime and lemon, with a touch of flinty reduction, lead to a palate that is pure and focused: concentrated fruit, snappy acidity, and a pithy finish. No “funkiness” here – very direct without being austere, with clarity and plenty of drive. Bottles produced: 1,990 | Alc: 13.5%.

CE rating: 96/100

Proprietor’s Grenache Noir 2025
Price: R350
First commercial release. From own plantings, the vineyard one-third of a hectare in size. Matured for 10 months in 500-litre barrels, 20% new. Cherry, pomegranate, fynbos and white pepper on the nose – evocative and sophisticated. The palate delivers pure fruit, fresh acidity, and powdery tannins. Linear, energetic, well-structured and emphatically dry. Ungimmicky and very nicely observed. Bottles produced: 2,800 | Alc: 13%.

CE’s rating: 95/100.

Proprietor’s Blend 2022
Price: R350
60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Shiraz, 10% Merlot. Matured for 18 months in barrel, 60% new. The nose shows red and black berries, violets, cured meat, spice, chocolate and earth. Rich and full-bodied on the palate, with dense fruit and velvet-like tannins, finishing forcefully dry. Old-school in style, this one will appeal to those how appreciate wines with substance… Bottles produced: 6,400 | Alc: 14%.

CE rating: 93/100.

Check out our South African wine ratings database.