{"title":"De Toren - Icons of precision","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"de-toren-book-xvii-2023","title":"De Toren Book XVII 2023","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"428\" data-end=\"833\"\u003ePerched on the Polkadraai Hills in Stellenbosch, De Toren Private Cellar has built an international reputation for producing meticulously crafted Bordeaux-style blends rooted in detailed vineyard science and site-specific viticulture. The estate overlooks False Bay and benefits from cooling maritime influence, helping grapes retain freshness and structure despite the warmth of the Stellenbosch climate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"428\" data-end=\"833\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"835\" data-end=\"1266\"\u003eDe Toren’s approach combines Old World inspiration with highly modern precision. Extensive soil mapping, clone selection and block-by-block vineyard management form the backbone of the estate’s philosophy. Book XVII represents the pinnacle of that pursuit - a tiny-production blend produced from carefully selected vineyard parcels and matured for 22 months in 100% new French oak barrels in a climate-controlled maturation cellar.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"835\" data-end=\"1266\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1268\" data-end=\"1618\"\u003eThe 2023 vintage was shaped by a cooler, drier growing season, resulting in a wine with notable tension, mineral freshness and finely concentrated tannins. While powerful, the wine remains remarkably poised, showing the polished structure and detail that have become synonymous with De Toren’s flagship releases.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1268\" data-end=\"1618\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1706\" data-end=\"1781\"\u003eColour:\u003cbr data-start=\"1717\" data-end=\"1720\"\u003eDense ruby red with an opaque core and youthful crimson edge.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1706\" data-end=\"1781\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1783\" data-end=\"1994\"\u003eNose:\u003cbr data-start=\"1792\" data-end=\"1795\"\u003eBlackcurrant, cassis and dark plum dominate initially, followed by layers of graphite, cedar, cigar box, fruitcake and sweet spice. Subtle floral lift and mineral notes emerge with time in the glass.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1783\" data-end=\"1994\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1996\" data-end=\"2444\"\u003ePalate:\u003cbr data-start=\"2007\" data-end=\"2010\"\u003eFull-bodied and structured, yet remarkably refined. The Cabernet Sauvignon brings dark fruit concentration and backbone, Cabernet Franc contributes aromatic lift and freshness, while Malbec adds plush spice and texture. The tannins are dense but polished, supported by vibrant acidity that keeps the wine focused rather than heavy. Oak influence is integrated, adding notes of vanilla, nutmeg and cocoa without overwhelming the fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1996\" data-end=\"2444\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2446\" data-end=\"2581\"\u003eFinish:\u003cbr data-start=\"2457\" data-end=\"2460\"\u003eLong, savoury and persistent, with lingering cassis, graphite, spice and a fine mineral edge carrying through the finish.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"De Toren","offers":[{"title":"750ml Bottle","offer_id":45359643590835,"sku":"RW2328BR35","price":4350.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0713\/5195\/9731\/files\/DeTorenBookXVII2023.jpg?v=1773821902"},{"product_id":"de-toren-patronus-2023","title":"De Toren Patronus 2023","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"287\" data-end=\"650\"\u003eDe Toren Private Cellar, situated on the Polkadraai Hills in Stellenbosch, has earned international recognition for its meticulous Bordeaux-inspired winemaking and highly site-specific vineyard approach. With cooling False Bay breezes, diverse soil types and careful clonal selection, the estate focuses on producing wines with precision, structure and longevity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"287\" data-end=\"650\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"652\" data-end=\"966\"\u003ePatronus represents one of De Toren’s most ambitious projects: a limited-production, single-varietal Malbec crafted from carefully selected vineyard blocks. The wine takes its name from the Latin word for “protector” or “patron”, reflecting the estate’s commitment to sustainability and environmental conservation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"652\" data-end=\"966\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"968\" data-end=\"1375\"\u003eThe 2023 vintage was shaped by a cool, dry growing season that produced smaller berries with concentrated flavour and excellent natural acidity. Fermentation took place using whole berries before maturation for 18 months in predominantly French oak barrels. Only a handful of barrels were selected for the final blend, resulting in a wine that combines richness and depth with remarkable polish and finesse.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"968\" data-end=\"1375\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1448\" data-end=\"1508\"\u003eColour:\u003cbr data-start=\"1459\" data-end=\"1462\"\u003eDeep garnet with an almost opaque ruby centre.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1448\" data-end=\"1508\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1510\" data-end=\"1683\"\u003eNose:\u003cbr data-start=\"1519\" data-end=\"1522\"\u003eLayers of blueberry, black plum and ripe cherry dominate the aromatics, followed by notes of cedar, sweet spice, graphite and subtle vanilla from oak maturation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1510\" data-end=\"1683\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1685\" data-end=\"2007\"\u003ePalate:\u003cbr data-start=\"1696\" data-end=\"1699\"\u003eFull-bodied and concentrated, with velvety tannins framing rich dark fruit flavours. The wine carries impressive depth and texture yet remains composed and fresh thanks to the cooler 2023 growing conditions. Notes of black pepper, dark chocolate and mineral nuance add further complexity through the palate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1685\" data-end=\"2007\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2009\" data-end=\"2110\"\u003eFinish:\u003cbr data-start=\"2020\" data-end=\"2023\"\u003eLong, smooth and persistent, with lingering blueberry, spice and finely integrated oak.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"De Toren","offers":[{"title":"750ml Bottle","offer_id":45359733801139,"sku":"RW2328MA09","price":4350.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0713\/5195\/9731\/files\/DeTorenPatronus2023.jpg?v=1773822177"},{"product_id":"de-toren-the-black-lion-shiraz-2024","title":"De Toren The Black Lion Shiraz 2024","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"378\" data-end=\"716\"\u003eDe Toren Private Cellar is situated on the Polkadraai Hills in Stellenbosch, where cooling ocean influence from False Bay meets a patchwork of ancient soils. Best known for its meticulous vineyard management and small-lot winemaking, De Toren has built a reputation for combining New World ripeness with Old World structure and restraint.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"378\" data-end=\"716\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"718\" data-end=\"1194\"\u003eThe Black Lion Shiraz 2024 reflects that philosophy clearly. Fruit is sourced from selected parcels in Stellenbosch and the Swartland, bringing together the refinement and freshness of Helderberg-influenced vineyards with the darker spice and power often associated with Swartland Syrah. A portion of the Stellenbosch fruit comes from iron-rich koffieklip soils, contributing savoury minerality and firm structure, while decomposed granite soils add texture and aromatic lift.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"718\" data-end=\"1194\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1196\" data-end=\"1432\"\u003eEach vineyard parcel is harvested and vinified separately before maturation for 18 months in 100% new French oak barrels. Production remains extremely limited, with only a small number of individually numbered bottles released annually.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1196\" data-end=\"1432\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1502\" data-end=\"1573\"\u003eColour:\u003cbr data-start=\"1513\" data-end=\"1516\"\u003eDeep ruby with an opaque core and a youthful crimson rim.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1502\" data-end=\"1573\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1575\" data-end=\"1812\"\u003eNose:\u003cbr data-start=\"1584\" data-end=\"1587\"\u003eLifted aromas of black cherry, ripe plum and blueberry lead the nose, followed by cracked black pepper, sweet spice and subtle violet perfume. Underneath sits savoury complexity with hints of mocha, tobacco leaf and graphite.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1575\" data-end=\"1812\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1814\" data-end=\"2141\"\u003ePalate:\u003cbr data-start=\"1825\" data-end=\"1828\"\u003eFull-bodied and layered, the palate shows dense dark fruit supported by firm yet polished tannins. The texture is rich without feeling heavy, with juicy black fruit balanced by savoury earthiness, spice and finely integrated oak. There is freshness through the mid-palate that keeps the wine focused and composed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1814\" data-end=\"2141\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2143\" data-end=\"2256\"\u003eFinish:\u003cbr data-start=\"2154\" data-end=\"2157\"\u003eLong and structured, finishing with notes of black fruit, cocoa, sweet tobacco and lingering spice.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"De Toren","offers":[{"title":"750ml Bottle","offer_id":45359797043379,"sku":"RW2428SH04","price":4350.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0713\/5195\/9731\/files\/DeTorenTheBlackLionShiraz2024.jpg?v=1773822371"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.wineofthemonth.co.za\/collections\/de-toren-icons-of-precision.oembed","provider":"Wine of the Month","version":"1.0","type":"link"}