Reviews & Ratings

2005 De Toren South African (Red Blend) "Z"

Winery: De Toren

Vintage: 2005

Wine Name/Vineyard: "Z"

Wine Category: South African (Red Blend)

Grape blend: 50% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, 10% Malbec, 5% Petite Verdot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Stellenbosch

State or country: South Africa

Price: $30

Cases produced: 560

KWG Score: 89 (based on 3 reviews)

Ken's Wine Rating: Very Good (89.99-87)

Review date: February 22, 2008

Wine Review: De Toren makes some of the best red wines coming out of South Africa. The “Z” is a nice food friendly option. This dark ruby wine opens with a pleasant raspberry and cherry like bouquet. On the palate, this medium bodied wine is round, juicy, and displays slightly sour black cherry flavors with some black licorice, plums, and toasty oak as well. The finish is dry, has slight tannins, and lingers for a little bit. As I mentioned this wine is a good option for food. Beef Bourguignonne and meatloaf come to mind. Enjoy – Ken

Winemaker Notes: This sophisticated “Right Bank – styled” Bordeaux blend debuted in the 2004 vintage as a complement to De Toren’s legendary “Left Bank – styled” Fusion V. A higher proportion of Merlot makes this delicious red softer and more approachable in its youth than its blockbuster sibling. It delivers intense aromas and flavors of plum, dark berries, and spicebox with classic notes of tobacco, graphite, and leather.

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