Uniquely situated on a hilltop location that catches the cool ocean breezes, with ancient soils and terroir perfectly suited to growing some of the world’s finest Bordeaux-style wines, De Toren pays tribute to the Bordeaux concept whilst reinterpreting it to be uniquely South African. The recognition of this land’s untapped potential laid the foundation for De Toren’s approach to producing wines with pronounced Left Bank and Right Bank characteristics. Inspired by the world-renowned Bordeaux wines, each of their distinct wines is site-specific and a true reflection of the soil and conditions in which they grow, ensuring a unique flavour profile for each wine. De Toren has an unusually high concentration of soils with over fifteen different soil types across the twenty-five hectares. Working with academics from the University of Stellenbosch, no less than ten rootstocks were matched to twenty-five different clones and planted in micro lots to match the specific soils.
Named for the ‘fusing’ together of Bordeaux’s five famous varietals (Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Merlot and Malbec), De Toren Fusion V celebrated its maiden vintage in 1999, at the same time marking the De Toren Private Cellar’s much anticipated first release. Born of vineyards that are high in gravel content and benefit from prolonged exposure to the afternoon sun – conditions that favour the cultivation of Cabernet Sauvignon – it is this intensely hued, robust flavoured varietal that, at 50 to 60%, forms the backbone of the formidable final blend.