Tasting notes:

Ernie Els won four Major titles during his younger golf career, but never won the tournament being played while we were judging this year, the US Masters. The ‘Big Easy’, as he is known, is most certainly a master wine producer with wines made under the direction of top-class winemaker Louis Strydom. This gorgeous wine displays a deep ruby hue and blackcurrant fruit, and smoky, almost leathery notes, with a hint of clay minerality. Mid-weight, the palate has racy acidity and linen-textured tannins. Complexity is added by accents of herbes de Provence, allspice and cloves. With a lingering finish, the wine will make a great match for classic Italian fegato (liver) with onions and chestnut mushrooms. (Patricia Stefanowicz MW)