2009 De Toren "Z" Bordeaux Blend Stellenbosch South Africa

Ever since their successful maiden release in 1999, De Toren has been dedicated to a meticulous, uncompromising regimen of the highest standards in both vineyard and cellar, and this is revealed in the sheer quality of its finished products– from the elegant soft-shouldered bottle and sophisticated label designs to its stunning, complex, multifaceted wines. They don't even approach the concept of 'harvest' through the traditional lens, preferring to 'microharvest' individual blocks via infrared imaging techniques to analyze which clusters have attained the correct color constituents that determine ripeness. De Toren is also given to select only the best grapes, often removing up to 40% of fruit during the growing season to ensure optimal quality. Now you might ask, how is the wine? The 'Z' is so-named for the clarifying Zephyr winds that blow from the west through the farm and vineyards. Merlot often achieves greater depth and finesse when planted on argillaceous soils (fancy word for clay) and makes up about half the fruit for this new bottling, the balance a select blend of Bordeaux varieties. Seductive and arresting, this wine is a gleaming embellishment of explosively rich blue and black fruits,almost kirschlike in quality, balanced by superfine tannins and lovely acidity.The delectable finish is polished, refined and silky. Drink now or enjoy over the next five years.