De Toren Fusion V is named for the ‘fusing’ together of Bordeaux’s five famous varietals (Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Merlot and Malbec). Born of vineyards that are high in gravel content and benefit from prolonged exposure to the afternoon sun – conditions, in other words, that favour the cultivation of Cabernet Sauvignon – it is this intensely hued, robust flavoured varietal that, at 50-60%, forms the backbone of the formidable final blend. The 2014 vintage is produced from 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Malbec, 16% Cabernet Franc, 11% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot grape varietals. Aged in a climatised barrel room (16°C at 80% humidity) for 12 months in 50% new and 50% second-fill, 225-litre oak barrels. 90% French oak and the Malbec were aged in American oak. Residual sugar: 3g/l. Bottled at 14.5%. (Bottle size 750ml)

Nose: De Toren Fusion V 2014 reveals pure aromas of fennel, blueberries and ripe cherries that alert the senses. This is supported by subtle hints of cedar and dark, bitter chocolate.

Palate: The palate pleases with what the nose promised… Pure fruit, berries and dried cherries are revealed, nuanced with complex flavours of aged tobacco leaf and cinnamon.

Finish: Careful oak aging delivers: complex, vibrant and mature tannins that coat the mouth for a lingering, silky taste, lasting beyond the final sip in your glass.

De Toren proprietors Emil and Sonette den Dulk left Johannesburg in 1991 to establish their vineyards in the Polkadraai Hills of Stellenbosch. Situated on southern facing slopes overlooking False Bay, De Toren enjoys the cooling effect of constant ocean breezes. Taking a holistic approach to keeping vineyard soils healthy and balanced viticulturist Ernest Manuel employs sustainable farming practices throughout the property. Infrared Aerial Imaging is used extensively in order to monitor ripeness in various vineyard blocks and determine optimal picking times although actual harvesting and production are done almost entirely by hand. The winery is operated on gravity flow principles; a 4,000-litre pressure tank in an elevator shaft (the Tower from which the winery takes its name) is cleverly used to exploit gravity in transporting wine between tanks and barrels without the use of mechanical pumps. As a result of De Toren’s innovative minimal intervention production methods their wines were among the first South African bottlings to qualify for IP (Integrated Production) certification by the Wine and Spirit Board. The Den Dulks and winemaker Albie Koch seem to have found the key to success with their simple winemaking philosophy: gentle handling, no pumps and minimum manipulation. Armed with this winning formula the boutique farm has quickly risen to the ranks of South Africa’s winemaking elite with their duo of dazzling stylish and complex five-varietal Bordeaux blends: the flagship Fusion V (which debuted in the 1999 vintage and has been hailed by Wine Spectator as a consistently polished outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend) and the Merlot-based Z introduced with the 2004 vintage.

#REDWINE #REDBLEND