De Toren - Z 2013

De Toren - Z 2013 (91 TSW)
A Right Bank-style Bordeaux blend of 42% Merlot, 21% Malbec, 16% Cabernet Franc, 12% Cabernet Sauvignon and 9% Petit Verdot.

De Toren “Z” was created by design born of cool ocean facing vineyards high in clay content conditions intensely suited to the planting of Merlot. Affectionately called ‘Zee’, this approachable ruby-hued wine takes its name from the cooling Zephyr breeze that air-conditions the ocean-fronting vineyard block of its origin, one in which are featured all of the ‘Noble Five’ Bordeaux varietals, with Merlot in dominance.

This red blend has a traditional red wine preparation and then stays in oak barrels for 12 months. Mainly French oak only Malbec on American oak.
After wood aging, the wine is blended and bottled. At De Toren, gravity is used entirely to move the wine through the cellar. From the moment of pressing up to and including bottling, gravity is used.

My tasting notes:

I decanted the wine for an half hour and it jumped out of the glass.
In the glass a dark inky red color.
On the medium++ nose delicate aromas of dark berries, cassis and flowers with hints of earth, vanilla and tobacco.
On the palate dry, full-bodied with well integrated tannins and acidity. Full of black fruits, smoky leather, concentrated and balanced. Amazing long tasty finish.

I would pair the Z with lamb, duck, beef and old cheese.

Emil den Durk (1948) is the founder of De Toren Private Cellar (Stellenbosch). He was born in Pretoria as a second generation of South African Dutchmen. After many trades, he unwittingly enters the wine world by purchasing vineyards that, purely by chance, prove to be the perfect place for the most famous blue grapes from Bordeaux. Albie Koch is now in charge at the winery.
Available at @wijnkooperijdelange