Porseleinberg Swartland 2016 - 750 ml

The Ernie Els Proprietor's Blend Stellenbosch 2011 is a red wine from the Stellenbosch wine region of South Africa, produced by Ernie Els Wines , a prestigious estate founded by the famous golfer Ernie Els . This wine is a blended cuvée, a blend of several grape varieties , typical of great South African wines, which embodies the winery's vision of producing high quality , elegant and expressive wines. The Proprietor's Blend is one of the winery's flagship cuvées, designed to offer a balanced taste experience, while highlighting the unique characteristics of the Stellenbosch terroir.

Tasting:

• Color : The Ernie Els Proprietor's Blend Stellenbosch 2011 has a deep red color, with purple and bright reflections. It has an intense color that indicates the richness and concentration of the wine.

• Nose : The nose is complex and seductive , with aromas of ripe black fruits , such as cassis , blackberry and black plum , which mingle with spicy notes of black pepper , cinnamon and vanilla . There are also subtle nuances of dark chocolate , tobacco and light aromas of leather . These woody and spicy notes are typical of the oak barrel aging and testify to the depth of the wine.

• Palate : On the palate, the wine is full , structured and opulent . The tannins are present but silky, providing a velvety texture that balances the richness of the fruit. The wine reveals flavors of ripe black fruits , cocoa and roasted coffee , accompanied by a spicy and woody touch. The acidity is well integrated, which gives the wine a freshness that supports the structure. The length in the mouth is impressive, with an elegant and slightly woody finish, on notes of black fruits and chocolate .

Grape varieties :

The Proprietor's Blend is a blend of several grape varieties, but the main grape varieties generally used are:

• Cabernet Sauvignon : This grape variety provides structure, powerful tannins and aromas of black fruits , blackcurrant and pepper .
• Merlot : It adds roundness, sweetness and aromas of ripe red fruits and plum .
• Cabernet Franc : This grape variety contributes to the elegance of the wine with more floral and spicy notes, as well as a welcome freshness.
• Sometimes a little Malbec or Petit Verdot can be added to enrich the complexity and color.

Aging potential:

The Ernie Els Proprietor's Blend Stellenbosch 2011 is a wine that can be cellared for 10-15 years or more, thanks to its solid tannic structure and acid balance. Cellar ageing will allow the tannins to meld, while developing more complex aromas of undergrowth , leather and damp earth , while retaining a nice freshness and some fruity intensity.

Food and wine pairings:

The Proprietor's Blend 2011 is a powerful and structured wine, perfect to accompany meat dishes and rich foods:

• Red meats : It goes very well with grilled beef fillet , rib of beef or even roast duck .
• Sauce dishes : This wine will go perfectly with stews , game stews or braised meat dishes.
• Cheeses : It goes well with mature cheeses like Gruyère , Comté , or blue cheeses like Roquefort .
• Mediterranean and South African cuisine : It is also delicious with spicy or grilled dishes like lamb skewers or barbecued meats .

Conclusion :

The Ernie Els Proprietor's Blend Stellenbosch 2011 is a rich, complex and elegant wine that embodies the best of the Stellenbosch terroir. With its tannic structure, aromatic depth and silky texture, it perfectly represents the excellence of South African wines. This wine is an excellent choice for lovers of great blended wines who are looking for a balanced and complex wine that will improve with age. Its powerful yet refined character makes it ideal for fine meals based on grilled meats, dishes in sauce or mature cheeses.