Wine Spectator Wine of the Day

Date: 12/11/2002
Author: James Molesworth


ENGELBRECHT-ELS Ernie Els Stellenbosch 2000
(93 points, $60)

The debut for this joint venture between Rust en Vrede's Jean Engelbrecht and pro golfer Ernie Els. Gorgeous, with polished currant, cocoa, boysenberry and toast aromas and flavors, supported by a seamless texture. You almost get lost in the long, dense, yet precise, finish that picks up Lapsang souchong tea leaf and black fig notes. A sleek thoroughbred of a wine, and the best I've had yet from this region. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec. Drink now through 2007. 1,000 cases made. Highly Recommended.