Whether for immediate enjoyment or delayed gratification via cellaring until later, the last few cases of the impeccable De Toren Z 2017 have just been released…
When the stars and the elements collide to produce a spectacularly good harvest, the results are always felt in the wine. The year 2017 was just such a harvest at De Toren Private Cellar, producing its best yet vintage of De Toren Z, the Stellenbosch estate’s famed Right Bank Bordeaux-style red blend.
It was a season when perfectly ripened vine fruits were optimally harvested; gently reaped and sorted by the hands of women, so that only the finest grapes were put forward for pressing and maturation in the cellar… This is the journey that the award-winning cellar team at De Toren undertook to co-create a superlative wine, the De Toren Z 2017, in partnership with their key collaborator, mother nature. The estate has an extraordinary terroir, which is enhanced by progressive viticulture. The favourable weather conditions of the season contributed to making the 2017 vintage one of the finest yet. It was a year in which the vines were perfectly balanced and restrained, producing the smallest, most concentrated berries. These hand-harvested grapes were transformed by sustainable and intelligent viniculture, truly making this coveted vintage of De Toren Z a collector’s prize.
At De Toren, the noble Bordeaux varietals are an expression of ancient South African soils and the estate’s signature winemaking style. As a result of all these factors – terroir, timing, technique, passion – the De Toren Z 2017 commands attention on the palate. According to De Toren’s Cellar Master, Charles Williams, its tasting notes: “Reveal subtle hints of spices, ripe blackberries, plum and cherries. The integrated, complex and beautifully rounded tannins of this expressive and superbly vibrant blend ensure a velvety, lingering finish. The soft integration of oak lends a creamy finish. At the olfactory level, there is a subtle hint of aniseed on the nose. This full-bodied blend maintains a sleek tannin structure with an immaculate developing palate.”
This is indeed a bold, bountiful and decidedly beautiful wine. There’s little wonder then that British Master of Wine, Tim Atkin, awarded the De Toren Z 2017 a remarkable 93 point score. It was also granted a stellar 95 points by the UK-based Master of Wine (SA), Greg Sherwood. These scores make the renowned 2017 the highest awarded vintage of this wine to date.
Such has been the demand for this superior wine that most of the limited-edition bottles have already found their place with eager oenophiles. There is, however, a small reserve still available that may now be acquired. De Toren has finally released its last few cases, and these may be procured directly from their online portal or by visiting the estate.
Lovers of fine wine and serious collectors alike should not hesitate to claim the last few remaining bottles. This wine will reward at nearest enjoyment and promises to be even more exceptional in time as it carries an aging potential of 15 years plus.
De Toren offers complimentary delivery on all De Toren Z 2017 case orders. For more information visit https://de-toren.com/.
