De Toren, Edition Z 2020

Description

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.

A testimony to vines lovingly reared and a uniquely South African rendering of Bordeaux’s famous Right Bank-style red, the wine has garnered plenty of attention, including that of the formidable 2012 judging panel at Mundus Vini, one of the most prestigious international wine competitions in the world – of the 6 000 wines submitted for scrutiny, the De Toren Z 2010 vintage, produced on a mere 22 hectares in the Polkadraai Hills overlooking Stellenbosch, succeeded in clinching coveted Gold.

TASTING NOTES
The striking balance of oak, fruit and creaminess fills one’s senses immediately from the first whiff. The beautiful red tart cherry on the nose also carries over to the palate. The nose is complimented by a creamy and aromatic expression of jammy cranberry with a bursting blackberry. The palate is quite precise with the darker fruits balancing the cherry and spicy end wit the tannin structure big enough to handle the richness of the wine.

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).

AGEING POTENTIAL
If stored in optimal conditions, this wine should last 15 years plus.

VARIETIES
64% Merlot, 36% Cabernet Franc

BARREL MATURATION
Aged in a climatized barrel/ maturation room (16 degrees Celsius at 80% humidity) for 12 months in 225 Litre French Oak barrels. Following blending, 60% of the wine volume benefits from a further 6 months of maturation in barrel when submitted to older French Oak barrels before final blending commences.

TECHNICAL ANALYSIS
Alcohol: 14.5 % / Vol Sugar: 2.86 g/l / Acidity: 5.6 g/l  / pH: 3.51

Additional information

This wine is a very versatile food pairing wine due to its great acidity and weight. It works exceptionally well with very fine spicy foods. Its aromas of mulberries and blueberries perfectly complements rich fish, lamb, duck, beef and poultry.

For optimum enjoyment, decant at least one hour before consumption.