Ernie Els 2007 Signature Red (Stellenbosch)

Country: South Africa / Signature
Variety: Bordeaux-style Red Blend Stellenbosch
Winery: Ernie Els /

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 leaves add complexity to the palate, while chewy tannins provide a firm structure. A bit young now, so try after 2015.