Iconic Wines – De Toren 2.0
Contribution by Karin Wild
Dear customers, back from sunny South Africa for a few days now, I am very much looking forward to sharing my new wine experiences and stories with you.
The Return of De Toren: Wine Love 2.0
Together with Andy Zimmermann, I had the pleasure of once again meeting many exciting winemakers, tasting first-class wines, and discovering the fascinating stories behind the wines and their producers. My trip was also a culinary delight, as were the accommodations – I will report on all of this in the coming weeks.
Today, we begin our Wine Journey 2.0 with a special highlight!
De Toren Relaunch – Back at KapWeine!
Today, we kick off our Wine Journey 2.0 with a real highlight: the relaunch of De Toren!
Yes, you read that right – De Toren is back at KapWeine! Simply fantastic! I'm sure many of you are De Toren fans who, like me, have sorely missed the wines from this exemplary winery in recent years. So it's even more wonderful to announce that De Toren is back with us – back in the Home of South African Wines. But let's tell the story from the beginning…
The Story Behind De Toren
It all began in 1994 with a breathtaking view of the Polkadraai Hills, stretching from Helderberg over False Bay to Table Mountain. Emil and Sonette Den Dulk recognized the untapped potential of this unique location and decided to purchase the approximately 25-hectare vineyard and establish the Boutique Winery De Toren.
The name De Toren means "the tower" in Dutch and refers to the winery's cellar structure, which is based on gravity pressing. As a great perfectionist, Emil left nothing to chance and initiated a comprehensive soil analysis in close cooperation with scientists from Stellenbosch University. Twelve soil samples were taken from each hectare of the farm – three times the usual practice in the wine industry. 15 different soil types were identified, and 25 clones of the five classic Bordeaux varieties (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot) were planted.
The Return to KapWeine
The philosophy "The truth lies in the vine" was coined by De Toren and made the winery one of South Africa's most respected premium wine producers. Andy Zimmermann, who recognized the great potential of this winery early on, began importing De Toren wines from the very first vintage in 1999. This long, successful collaboration ended in 2019 when the winery was sold to Swiss investors.
After this period, we are all the more pleased to announce that De Toren's story continues with KapWeine. After visiting the modernized winery and having an inspiring tasting with the current owners Cédric Schweri and Albi Koch, it was clear: the shared journey continues. De Toren's wines are even better and more precise today than ever before.
Fusion V – Icon in a Glass
Have you ever tried Fusion V, this iconic "Left-Bank" style Bordeaux wine? If so, you're sure to know the incredible complexity and multi-layered character that make this wine a true masterpiece. If not, it's high time to get to know this extraordinary drop.
Together with Albi Koch and chief winemaker Charles Williams, we had the privilege of tasting the outstanding 2020 vintage. This is now available en primeur and will be back at KapWeine from January 2025. Dark fruit notes stream into the nose with the very first sniff. The first sip reveals not only these fruity aromas but also the striking minerality, the hint of graphite, and the elegance of a great wine. The wine's powerful body is never perceived as heavy or broad, thanks to its lively freshness and fruit-rich tannins. Quite the opposite: an elegant wine that you simply must love.
Store it in your cellar, and it will surely bring you joy even after 20 years.
To celebrate the occasion, you have the unique opportunity to order this exceptional wine en primeur at a special price from KapWeine now. And the best part: when you buy 12 bottles, you get a magnum bottle for free!
Don't hesitate and secure De Toren back in your wine cellar.
Edition Z – the Elegant Companion
The "sister wine" of Fusion V is called Edition Z. The grapes come from a later-planted vineyard and combine around 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc. Despite the smaller proportion, the Cabernet Franc makes a strong statement with its clear scent of red berries and herbs. The high Merlot content gives the wine a velvety elegance and freshness.
Edition Z is a versatile companion that pairs perfectly with spicy dishes, rib-eye, or rump steak. To fully unfold its aromatic potential, it is recommended to decant the wine and serve it at 18 degrees Celsius.
Edition Z will also be available again at KapWeine from the end of January 2025 – a pleasure you shouldn't miss.
Exclusive Premium Wines
Last but not least, I would like to introduce you to De Toren's three outstanding, limited premium wines, which will be available again at KapWeine at a later date.
BOOK XVII 2022 – The Masterpiece
The extremely complex and perfectly balanced BOOK XVII 2022 vintage is a true masterpiece. Only 1700 bottles of this exceptional Bordeaux-style wine were produced. It consists of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Malbec, and 20% Cabernet Franc – a combination that challenges even highly acclaimed Bordeaux wines. On the nose, distinctive notes of licorice and blueberries unfold. A wine like Christmas – intense, complex, and unique.
The Black Lion 2022 – A Shiraz of the Extra Class
Another highlight is The Black Lion 2022, a 100% Shiraz whose grapes come from Helderberg. This wine surprises with aromas of dark chocolate and coffee, which do not come from the oak barrel but from the special terroir. The interplay of aromas is complemented by dark plum notes and the peppery note typical of Shiraz. This dark, velvety wine will remain unforgettable once you have tasted it.
Patronus 2022 – Seductive Freshness
Newly added to the range of limited premium wines is the Patronus 2022, a 100% Malbec, of which only 1200 bottles were produced. Its seductive perfume, combined with the structure of red plums, sweet fruit, and tobacco notes, makes it an exceptional wine with remarkable freshness.
If you want to treat yourself to something very special or give a loved one a gift, these wines are the perfect choice. Exclusivity and pleasure at the highest level – secure one of these limited masterpieces as soon as they are available again at KapWeine.
Event Highlight: Tasting on November 30, 2024
Are you curious? Try the new vintage "Fusion V 2020" at our event in Wädenswil. I look forward to personally presenting the wines to you and sharing my passion for De Toren.
Cheers and warm regards,
Your Karin
