Engelbrecht Els
南非艾爾斯特選紅酒
Ernie Els偏好波爾多風格(Bordeaux style),而Jean Engelbrecht喜好以希哈為基礎的風格(Shiraz-based style),這一款葡萄酒的概念是將這兩位合夥人相異的口感喜好作為結合,開創一個新的口味探險。
產區:Western Cape 西開普省
釀 酒 師:Louis Strydom
葡萄品種:60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Shiraz, 5% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 5% Malbec
氣候:地中海型氣候,年降雨量約650mm。葡萄園座落於Helderberg Mountain北端的斜坡,有助於增添熱帶水果風味。在夏季,因葡萄園鄰近大西洋,涼爽的海風可調節氣溫,延長葡萄熟成的時間,更能增添細膩的風味。
土壤:表層為一種稱為Scully的混合橡木樹葉與黏土的土層,深層為大量的花崗岩土。
釀造:於300公升的橡木桶中培養16-18個月,80%使用全新橡木桶,其中70%為法國橡木,30%為美國白橡木。
酒質特性:深紅色澤,明亮的酒緣。香氣由Cabernet Sauvignon主導,釋放出強烈的項目、雪茄盒和煙草的芳香,些許來自Shiraz的香料氣息,結合豐富多汁的紅色水果和花香。酒體結構緊實,擁有極佳的長度與整合度,初入口的印象是帶有礦物的口感,隨之而來的是多汁的洋李和黑醋栗的味道,於後味展現清新的茉莉花香。含有豐富的橡木成分,是一款平易近人但成熟度高的葡萄酒,再經過5年可達到適飲的最高峰。
酒精成分:15度
【評 鑑】
2005年份 - Wine Spectator (2008.05.15):90 points
Racy, with lots of red and black currant fruit layered with tobacco, mineral and hints of black licorice. Nice fine-grained finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Malbec. Drink now through 2010. 200 cases imported. –JM
2004年份 - Wine Spectator (2007.03.31):89 points
Dark and smoky, with plush layers of currant fruit, grilled herb, cocoa, mint and tobacco. Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec. Drink now through 2008. 2,400 cases made. –JM
2003年份 – International Wine Challenge:Gold Medal
- Wine Spectator (2005.09.30):89 points
Polished, modern style with lots of ripe black currant, fig, toast and cocoa notes. Thick tannins and a smoky finish, but good acidity as well. Opens up slowly in the glass, so decant or cellar short-term. Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Malbec, Petit Verdot, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2007. 1,250 cases imported. –JM
