A SEASON LIKE NO OTHER
AND A WINE THAT BEAT THE ODDS
Ernie Els Wine’s 2023 Major Series Cabernet Sauvignon tells the story of a standout year in the vineyard, complete with a Gold Medal win at the 2025 Global Cabernet Masters, because sometimes, the best results come from seasons that don’t go according to plan. When nature throws a curveball, it can push us to pay closer attention and make braver choices, and every now and then, those surprises turn out to be exactly what the vines needed. 2023 was one of those years: a reminder that when conditions shift and expectations wobble, something unexpectedly good can grow from it.
The 2023 season kicked off with late rainfall, which originally suggested the crop might be small. Even though winter was warmer than usual, light spring rains helped the grapes ripen evenly across all varieties. Rain at this stage can sometimes cause complications, but in this case it boosted growth thanks to healthy vines and attentive farming. The extra moisture refreshed the vineyards, and the grapes enjoyed a longer hang time, giving them space to ripen naturally. Picking decisions became crucial, with each block harvested exactly when flavours and balance were at their best.
To keep the fruit quality at its peak, all grapes were hand-picked, and every vineyard block was kept separate throughout harvesting and winemaking. Each batch was handled on its own, making sure only the best of each block made it into the final blend, adding layers of character to the wine.
In the cellar, the Ernie Els team took a thoughtful but unfussy approach to bring out the best of the season. They used a mix of concrete vessels, terracotta amphorae and carefully chosen oak barrels to build complexity without covering up the vineyard’s natural voice. This combination allowed the finest aromas and tannins to shine through, resulting in a wine that’s balanced, graceful and true to its vintage.
In the glass, the 2023 Major Series Cabernet Sauvignon is both striking and expressive. It shows a deep black-plum centre that eases into a vibrant purple rim. The aromas unfold gently, starting with flinty, smokey notes before moving into cassis leaf, ripe cherries and bramble, all cushioned by cedar and a soft hint of vanilla. On the palate, a bright lemony lift cuts through layers of juicy red and black cherries, plums, and redcurrants. The natural acidity brings a refreshing brightness, and as the wine opens up, its tannins deepen, leading to a dry, lively finish.
The Global Cabernet Masters medal confirms what the season already suggested: 2023 was a year of balance and opportunity, and Ernie Els Winery has captured all of that in a wine that reflects both its landscape and the hands that crafted it.