Ernie Els Big Easy Cabernet Sauvignon is based on a fully ripe Cabernet with a dash of Cinsault to create an easy-drinking, generously fruited red which delivers lots of blackberry and wild strawberry flavours. A worthy addition to the Ernie Els portfolio.

Vinification: The grapes were hand-harvested in the cool of the early morning. On the sorting table, all excess stalks and inferior berries were removed. Fermentation took place in 7-ton open-top stainless steel tanks and the wines were pumped over or punched down manually 3 to 5 times per day, ensuring maximum colour extraction from the skins. Each variety is matured separately in oak barrels before final blending and eventual bottling.

Appearance: Rich ruby.

Nose: Fragrant aromas of Herbs de Provence, wild rosemary, bay leaf, and sorrel; leafy, savoury herbs mingle with fresh cassis, new spring plums, and blackberries. Elegant soaking adds hints of ash, cedar and ground cinnamon to the density of black fruit.

Taste: The palate is sappy and fine, proffering fresh red plums, blackcurrant, a touch of cola and balsamic threaded with ripe, round tannins and a juicy core.

Finish: Elegant yet structured, the firm tannins melt into a fresh and fruited finish.

Food pairings: Red meat dishes such as beef bourguignon and oxtail.

About the producer: Louis Strydom has gone back to the traditional style made on the foothills of the Helderberg mountain, where Cabernet Sauvignon and Cinsaut were planted together around the 1920s, and the two varieties were later blended to make a wine that is softer and rounder in style for early enjoyment. By the mid-1970s this style was so popular, that Cinsaut was one of the most widely planted varieties in Stellenbosch. Over the years Cinsaut has all but disappeared in Stellenbosch, but now almost 50 years later, we have replanted Cinsaut on Ernie Els Wines to revive the traditional ‘Helderberg red blend’ style. This Big Easy Cabernet Sauvignon has up to 15% Cinsaut blended in to be true to the history of the Helderberg red blend, as well as provide an extension of our vision to be the best Cabernet Sauvignon producer in South Africa. Most importantly, for the consumer and wine lover, this wine will provide a delicious and accessible Cabernet Sauvignon.