Critics Ratings

De Toren Fusion V 2001

‘Liquorice, bramble, sundried tomato stew. Ripe and chunky, this is bigger than the 99. Still structured, but also shows some tertiary character. Drink before the 1999.’ – Higgo Jacobs (Feb 2021), 91/100

‘Fresher and with more power than 2003, quite refined in fruit and very elegant. Big shouldered and powerful on the finish with succulent sweet and spicy fruit. Drink now to 2028’ - Roland Peens (Feb 2021)

‘One of the leading Cape blends, always the full house of Bordeaux red grapes (cabernet, malbec, merlot, cabernet franc, petite verdot), their proportions varying with the vintage; 01 elegant expression of great, ripe red-wine yr; transcends individual components, truly fused into greater whole, though clear, commanding cab influence obvious beneath still strong oak veneer. Deep, plush fruitcake, dark berry succulence, fine wraparound tannins. Worth cellaring decade min.’ – Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2004, 4.5*

‘Very sleek, polished, modern style, with loads of ripe, dark blackberry and black currant fruit, and a healthy dose of sweet smoke as well. Deceptively concentrated, this glides really easily across the palate to a lengthy finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot... 3,000 cases made.’ – Wine Spectator (December 2003), 91/100

Ernie Els Engelbrecht Els Proprietor’s Blend 2006

‘Five Bordeaux varieties in ‘06, Cabernet dominant with 20% Shiraz. Admirable fruit concentration, full-ripe, opulent, underscored by fine-grained tannins, already harmonious. Silky, satisfyingly savoury, made for fine dining.’ - Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2009, 4.5*

‘Ripe but restrained, with a core of plum sauce, melted licorice, tar and braised fig held in check for now by ample fine-grained tannins. Licorice and black tea notes weave through the finish. Should unwind nicely in the near term. Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Malbec.’ - James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, 92/100 (Mar 2009)

Thelema The Mint Cabernet Sauvignon 2005

‘Name refers to 22-year-old single clone vineyard with distinctive mint character. 2004’s typical Cabernet structure proved fair foil to its ‘modern’ fruit tone. 2005 in similar vein; fine-grained tannins reveal dollops of bright cassis, spearmint.’ - Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2008, 4.5*

‘Concentrated but very stylish, with mint and sage aromas leading the way for ripe black currant, tar and licorice notes. Long, fine-grained finish lets a lovely cocoa powder note linger.’ - James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, 91/100 (Dec 2007)

Provenance

Private Client