Bordeaux Themed
Timed Online Auction, 2 - 14 July 2025
Bordeaux | South Africa
About this Item
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.
Provenance
Private Client
Critics Ratings
‘The 2010 Z is a blend of 55% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Cabernet Franc, 12% Malbec and 4% Petit Verdot. It has an opulent, ripe, menthol-tinged bouquet whose hedonism could have derived from the Napa Valley—but it is well defined and very pure. The palate is full-bodied with ripe bold tannins that offer firm backbone and structure. This is showing better balance than the previous vintage, with expressive black plum and a touch of dark chocolate on the finish. Fine. I tasted two wines from Emil and Sonette Den Dulk's "De Toren" estate in the Polkadraai Hills and mighty fine they were too, exhibiting a little more finesse and sophistication than previous vintages.’ - Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, 91/100 (Dec 2012)
‘This well-crafted red shows alluring aromatics of black tea and singed anise, exhibiting a suave feel to the concentrated flavors of dark plum, blackberry and black cherry fruit. A singed alder spine runs through the finish. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot.' - James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, 91/100 (Jun 2013)
‘(55% merlot, 15% cabernet sauvignon, 14% cabernet franc, 12% malbec and 4% petit verdot; the malbec component was done in American oak): Good deep red-ruby. Pungent aromas of blackberry, boysenberry, truffle, chocolate and black pepper. Sweet and very ripe, with plush flavors of dark berries, truffle, tobacco, graphite and licorice. Finishes with serious, tongue-dusting tannins and excellent length. The Fusion V is the estate's Left Bank blend; this one is the Right Bank.’ - Stephen Tanzer, Vinous, 90/100 (May 2013)