De Toren, Book XVII 2023

Description

Book XVII was born from a pursuit of excellence blended with a passion for craftsmanship and isolating the very best that nature has to offer. The name Book XVII was inspired by one of the first pieces of literature dedicated solely to wine and extreme viticulture methods written over 2 millennia ago by roman philosopher, Pliny the Elder. As part of our Icon wine range, this unique red blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Malbec was born from a desire to craft a wine that could stand amongst the greatest wines in the world. The result of De Toren’s devotion to precision is a limited production of a mere 6 barrels and an irresistible, lush red blend with stunning depth and complexity. With modern viticulture methods, bold winemaking and masterful experimentation with Bordeaux barriques, Book XVII becomes a harmonious evolution of our acclaimed Bordeaux-styled blends.

VARIETIES
60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 20% Malbec

VINTAGE
2023 was defined by a cool, dry growing season, punctuated by a wetter March harvest. These demanding conditions required unparalleled precision from our winemaking team, leaving very little margin for error. Thus, each decision, from harvest timing to fermentation management and barrel selection, was put under the microscope.

Adding to the precision, a team of five dedicated women conducted meticulous berry selection by hand, ensuring that only the finest fruit contributed to this exceptional vintage. No grape was left unturned.

This vintage showcases a remarkable harmony between power and finesse. The cooler season nurtured dense, concentrated tannins while maintaining a vibrant thread of acidity and mineral tension. The result is a wine that is simultaneously more opulent and polished than previous vintages, yet retains its signature structure and elegance.

MATURATION
Every element was crafted with obsessive detail. Aged for 22 months in our climatised maturation room at 14°C and 80% humidity, this vintage rested exclusively in 100% new French oak barrels, with only five barrels produced. Each barrel plays a crucial role in shaping the wine’s final expression.

TASTING NOTES
Book XVII 2023 displays excellent balance between dark and red fruit concentration, alongside plush spiciness. One word that comes to mind when tasting this wine is purity.

Book XVII 2023 is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 20% Malbec, with each varietal contributing its distinct personality. Cabernet Sauvignon delivers dark fruit concentration and commanding structure. Cabernet Franc imparts red fruit brightness and refined aromatics. Malbec adds an exotic layer of plush spiciness, bringing luxurious depth to the blend.

Limited to a mere 1,397 bottles, Book XVII 2023 is destined to become a coveted rarity in any connoisseur’s collection. While undeniably impressive now, its true brilliance will unfold from 2030 onwards, evolving into an even more harmonious and profound expression of the Polkadraai terroir.

A vintage to be savoured and remembered for years to come.

AGEING POTENTIAL
This wine has a phenomenal ageing potential. If stored and cellared in optimal conditions, this wine have the potential to be matured for up to 30 plus years.

DECANTING
For optimum enjoyment, decant at least one hour before consumption. It is recommended to serve this wine at optimal temperature (15 – 18 degrees Celcius).

FOOD PAIRING
The phenomenal Book XVII pairs perfectly with a classic rack of lamb or a rich lamb shank dish, roasted to absolute perfection.

ANALYSIS
Alcohol Strength: 15 % Vol.

Acidity: 5,4 g/l

Residual Sugar: 2,4 g/l

Additional information

The phenomenal Book XVII pairs perfectly with a classic rack of lamb or a rich lamb shank dish, roasted to absolute perfection.