De Toren Z 2016

What a tease.

Merlot 47%, Cabernet Franc 14%, Cabernet Sauvignon 19%, Malbec 13%, Petit Verdot 7%

Tantalizingly soft on the tongue. A hint of aniseed, liquorice, raspberry and cranberries lending a fresh acidity to its polished finish. plus, of course, all the finesse that makes Bordeaux-style wines so prized among the world’s most enthusiastic wine lovers.

This soft, approachable ruby-hued beauty is a true testament to vines lovingly reared and winemaking raised to an art form. A Right Bank-style Bordeaux blend, De Toren Z comprises a symphonic blend of five Bordeaux varietals. Aged in a climatized barrel room (16 degrees Celsius at 80% humidity) for 12 months in 225L French and American Oak. The Malbec had the benefit of American Oak. 

For optimum enjoyment, decant at least one hour before consumption. It is recommended to serve this wine at optimal temperature (15 – 18 degrees Celcius). We love us a wine that is versatile. 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. If stored in optimal conditions, this wine should last 15 years plus.

14.79%

AWARDS & ACCOLADES

- 93 POINTS

Charles Williams made some excellent reds in 2016, picking earlier to cope with the vintage conditions. Z, as ever, is Merlot based with the remaining 46% divided between Cabernets Franc and Sauvignon, Malbec and Petit Verdot. Much more than a second wine, this is a different style from Fusion V, with green herb and tobacco notes and wonderful poise and elegance. Signs of a shift in style here. 2021-28

-91 POINTS

There’s a deep kirsch aroma on the nose of this wine, with additional notes of pressed violets, crème de cassis and blackberry paste. The palate is medium in weight and plush in feel, with velvety tannins that lend ample structure and support to the ripe cherry and berry fruit flavors. Final notes of cedary spice, light char and cocoa powder add decadence through the close. Cape Classics.

The nose of the 2016 Z bursts from the glass with aromas of Chambord, crème de cassis, juicy plum and black raspberry, dusty flowers and oak spice. Full-bodied and luscious, the fruit expressions continue to show their juiciness across the mid-palate with layers of complex black and dark red macerated fruit. This delightful wine continues to unpack layers of complexity with additional time in the mouth. The finish persists with finesse over the long-winding conclusion.