De Toren, Patronus 2021
De Toren are industry leading red wine specialists, based in Stellenbosch. Their respect for the land and quest for perfection has led to them producing some of the most exceptional South African wines to date.
Introducing the second vintage release of De Toren’s 100% Malbec wine, the De Toren Patronus.
With an extremely limited production of a mere four barrels, this wine is sourced from distinctive terroir, with carefully chosen, hand-cultivated vines lending their grace to its exceptional character. As the journey unfolds, the depths of complexity unravel, revealing layers upon layers of regal purple fruits and fully ripened plums.
“The 2021 vintage unveils an alluring shade of dark, inky purple. Greeted by hints of cedar, each sip carries forth the grandeur of the nose, as subtle nuances of sweet vanilla intersect with a tangy, currant-like raspberry flavour. A robust tannin structure brings a dry, yet satisfying closure to the discerning palate.“ Martin Fourie | Winemaker
The name commemorated De Toren’s fervent culture of sustainability, an ethos of patronage for the conservation of nature in its ancient and living states.’ It is a little known fact that De Toren, despite not labelling their bottles so, is certified organic – they farm that way because it is correct to do so, but never want their wine to be purchased merely ‘because it is organic’.
The grapes go through an incredibly stringent selection process – first, the best Malbec vines on the property are selected, following that, bunch selection at harvest and finally, post destemming, individual berry selection. Post fermentation, the wine spends 18 months in predominantly French oak. This all results in a wine that is full-bodied, yet elegant and vibrant – expect red and dark fruit, coconut and tobacco. Tannins are gentle and the finish is incredibly long.
£289.80
Stellenbosch
Malbec
LightFull Bodied
Description
Born from an unwavering passion to craft one of the world’s most premium Malbec wines, De Toren proudly present the 2021 vintage official release of De Toren Patronus. Meticulously nurtured with utmost precision, this exceptional Malbec epitomizes the core of De Toren’s relentless quest for excellence, reflecting our rich heritage of exclusivity and artistry.
De Toren nurture a profound commitment to safeguarding nature, a philosophy deeply woven into our culture. The design of De Toren Patronus’ packaging was meticulously crafted to honour our estate’s unwavering commitment to sustainable agriculture. It draws inspiration from earthly elements and the Latin word ‘patron,’ evoking a sense of nostalgia for eras we never experienced firsthand yet continue to yield fruitful inspiration.
With an extremely limited production of a mere four barrels, this wine is sourced from distinctive terroir, with carefully chosen, hand-cultivated vines lending their grace to its exceptional character. As the journey unfolds, the depths of complexity unravel, revealing layers upon layers of regal purple fruits and fully ripened plums.
For the De Toren Patronas wine, whole berries are fermented in three distinct vessels and techniques and then predominantly matured in new French Oak barrels for a total of 18 months. At the culmination of the winemaking process, each precious bottle is individually labelled and numbered by hand. This spectacular wine is presented in an exclusively handcrafted and sealed wooden display frame, accompanied by an iconic key to ensure the safekeeping of this collector’s item and the last modicum of labour before ultimate pleasure is unlocked. With correct cellaring, De Toren Patronus has an ageing potential of two decades plus, and it promises reward whether enjoyed upon purchase or stored for future enjoyment.
The bespoke packaging, like this exquisite wine, is crafted by hand. The rhinoceros, illustrated by a renowned international artist, Steven Noble, using an ancient engraving technique to carve out visual elements, sharing the greater story about ancient ecosystems, unique terroir and the specially selected, sustainably farmed vines this wine is crafted from. A tale of masterful alchemy of only the finest fruit through passion, patience and devotion. Ultimately, it reveals the greater story behind De Toren Patronus – a story as powerful as this remarkable Malbec.
VARIETIES
100% Malbec
BARREL MATURATION
Aged in a climatized barrel/ maturation room (14 degrees Celsius at 80% humidity) for 18 months in predominantly in French Oak barrels.
TASTING NOTES
With an extremely limited production of a mere four barrels, this wine is sourced from distinctive terroir, with carefully chosen, hand-cultivated vines lending their grace to its exceptional character. As the journey unfolds, the depths of complexity unravel, revealing layers upon layers of regal purple fruits and fully ripened plums.
“The 2021 vintage unveils an alluring shade of dark, inky purple. Greeted by hints of cedar, each sip carries forth the grandeur of the nose, as subtle nuances of sweet vanilla intersect with a tangy, currant-like raspberry flavour. A robust tannin structure brings a dry, yet satisfying closure to the discerning palate.“ Martin Fourie | Winemaker
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
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 40 years.
FOOD PAIRING
This exquisite wine with its bold and powerful flavours are best served with a succulent and tenderly grilled steak.
TECHNICAL ANALYSIS
Alcohol: 14.5 %/Vol
Additional information
| Alcohol vol | 14.5% |
|---|---|
| Grape | Malbec |
| Origin | Stellenbosch |
| Vintage | 2021 |
| Wine Farm |
This exquisite wine with its bold and powerful flavours are best served with a succulent and tenderly grilled steak.






96+ points | Greg Sherwood MW Wine Safari Score
“This 2021 Malbec from De Toren is one of the few superstar expressions of premium Malbec produced in South Africa where you get to witness the true majesty and opulence of this cultivar delivered with full impact concentration and kaleidoscopic aromatics. Beautifully seductive in its youth, the nose boasts a broad array of floral magic… pressed violets and rose petal perfume accompanied by smoky layers of cigar ash, cocoa powder, crushed granite minerality, and spicy cedar oak nuances all supported by plush, sumptuous raspberry, sappy black currant and sweet cherry tobacco hints. The medium-bodied palate is soft, supple and powdery with sweet fine-grained creamy tannins that melt into layer upon layer of sweet mulberry, black berry compote and pomegranate fruits, all wonderfully framed and shaped by refreshing, lively energetic acids. This is an exceptionally well balance expression of Malbec that follows a path of elegance and precision and delivers a beautifully long, vibrant, expressive finish. Drink this beauty on release after an hours decant and over the next 10 to 15+ years.”
Greg Sherwood MW Wine Safari Score –