19th Century, Modern, Post-War and Contemporary Art, Decorative Arts, Jewellery and Wine
Live Virtual Auction, 11 - 13 April 2021
De Toren Private Cellar, Meerlust Estate and Mullineux
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About this Item
De Toren has been focused on developing and re-defining the Bordeaux concept into something uniquely South African since they acquired their first hectares in 1991. Specialising in luxurious & award-winning Bordeaux-style blends.The winery itself was nominated for best ‘New World Winery of the Year’ by Wine Enthusiast in 2011 and has established an iconic following. At De Toren the pursuit for perfection is evident in their grape selection and harvesting. They aim to ‘create an environment where vines produce flawless fruit and then guard these grapes as they are gently steered from vineyard, to cellar to bottle’.
De Toren "Z" was created by design born of cool ocean facing vineyards high in clay content conditions intensely suited to the planting of Merlot. Affectionately called 'Zee', this approachable ruby-hued beauty takes its name from the cooling Zephyr breeze that air conditions the ocean-fronting vineyard block of its origin, one in which are featured all of the 'Noble Five' Bordeaux varietals, with Merlot dominance. This soft, approachable ruby-hued beauty is a true testament to vines lovingly reared and winemaking raised to an art form.
Critics Ratings
2006
'Not to be mistaken for a light-weight brother to the V, this still packs a lot of punch with brooding dark fruit, nicely polished by oak and complexing bottle age. Possessing ample legs for further development, but also well composed for drinking now. Like a modern Pomerol.'- Higgo Jacobs (Feb 2021), 94/100
‘Quite big and sweet, with spicy rich and soft juicy fruit. Quite fresh and nicely elegant with a super well-balanced subtle finish. Delicious now! Drink now to 2028’ - Roland Peens (Feb 2021)
'Deep aromas of plum, anise, blueberry and black fruit on the nose are followed by layers of intense cedar, plum and mocha flavors. A touch of rose and cedar sweetness adds dimension. Solid structure and good minerality. An approachable wine with class.' - Susan Kostrzewa, Wine Enthusiast, 91/100 (Dec 2009)
'Merlot-led ‘Zee’ an earlier-accessible counterfoil to burly cellar sibling; 06 plum & blueberry lift to meaty core, light on its zesty feet. Yr Fr/Am wood, 25% new.' - Platter's SA Wine Guide 2009, 4*
2007
‘A cooler vintage offering mint and strawberry. Milk chocolate and red fruits blend to a mellow, lacy finish. Superb balance. Drink now to 2026’ - Roland Peens (Feb 2021)
'This lush red starts with aromas of cinnamon, plum and pepper, leading into a balance of black fruit, fresh acidity, warming spices and smoke. Rich but balanced by lively lift, it's a great food wine that will pair well with robust meat dishes.' - Susan Kostrzewa, Wine Enthusiast, 92/100 (Mar 2010)
'Different take on classic ‘Bdx 5’ & counterpoint to sibling, 07 has merlot & cab f centre stage, allowing violets & blueberries a look-in on the plummy fruit. Silky texture gives earlier drinking, lots of pleasure.' - Platter's SA Wine Guide 2010, 4*
2008
'Large component Merlot on the 2008. This is singing at the moment. Purity of fruit – still primary. Strikes a remarkable harmony of plush, modern open knit fruit with freshness and long-lived structure. This is typical of the property’s style – super clean, new world expression, with good Bordeaux markers, and showing great Stellenbosch terroir definition'. - Higgo Jacobs (Feb 2021), 95/100
‘Very powerful for the lighter vintage. A hint of savoury oak balances pure, almost primary fruit. Super fresh and silky with great length! Drink to 2032’ - Roland Peens (Feb 2021)
'Cocoa-dusted black cherry and berry aromas hit you first in the bouquet, followed by soft notes of black tea, violets and licorice shortly after. Full and rich in the mouth, the fruit is intense and juicy, framed by a lush but firm structure and balanced acidity hinting at the life that this wine still has to come. Long finish with a peppery back note.' - Lauren Buzzeo, Wine Enthusiast, 92/100 (Aug 2011)
'Different take on classic ‘Bdx 5’ & earlier drinking counterpoint to sibling. Merlot dominates 2008, cab & malbec in supporting role; mocha choc & sinuous body, a sensory experience.'- Platter's SA Wine Guide 2011, 4*
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