Ernie Els: When 94 is a good score

Wine Spectator magazine, in its April 30 issue, has a report on the top South African wines, and Ernie Els Wines Stellenbosch 2005 ties for the top spot with a score of 94, only a point below what the magazine considers a classic (scores of 95 to 100).

"Concentrated and very polished, with the flavors gliding over supersupple tannins," the magazine notes.

It is the highest score the magazine has given an Els wine since the inception of Englebrecht Els Vineyard in 1999.

-- John Strege