Description
There are few South African wines made with quite the same attention to detail as De Toren Book XVII. Named after the seventeenth book of Roman philosopher Pliny the Elder's Natural History, this extraordinary Stellenbosch red represents the estate's pursuit of precision, from individual vineyard parcels to the selection of just a handful of barrels. The 2023 vintage, awarded 97 points by Tim Atkin MW, is a particularly compelling release, with only 1,397 bottles produced.
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec, Book XVII 2023 offers concentrated aromas of blackcurrant, cassis, and dark cherry, layered with violets, cedar, graphite, and warm spice. The palate is powerful yet remarkably composed, with dense, finely polished tannins, generous dark fruit, and a vibrant mineral freshness. Notes of nutmeg, vanilla, and subtle savory spice emerge through a long, beautifully structured finish.
The cooler 2023 growing season has given this vintage an appealing combination of concentration and restraint. Already impressive for its depth and purity, it promises even greater complexity with time in the cellar, with the estate suggesting its finest drinking years will begin around 2030. An exceptional collector's wine, particularly suited to slow-roasted lamb, prime rib, venison, or a special occasion deserving of something truly memorable.
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec, Book XVII 2023 offers concentrated aromas of blackcurrant, cassis, and dark cherry, layered with violets, cedar, graphite, and warm spice. The palate is powerful yet remarkably composed, with dense, finely polished tannins, generous dark fruit, and a vibrant mineral freshness. Notes of nutmeg, vanilla, and subtle savory spice emerge through a long, beautifully structured finish.
The cooler 2023 growing season has given this vintage an appealing combination of concentration and restraint. Already impressive for its depth and purity, it promises even greater complexity with time in the cellar, with the estate suggesting its finest drinking years will begin around 2030. An exceptional collector's wine, particularly suited to slow-roasted lamb, prime rib, venison, or a special occasion deserving of something truly memorable.
* Prior vintage described.
In the cellar
The 2023 growing season presented De Toren's winemaking team with an unusual set of challenges. A relatively cool, dry growing period was followed by wetter conditions during the March harvest, making careful vineyard monitoring and precise picking decisions especially important.
Only the finest fruit from selected parcels in the Polkadraai Hills was considered for Book XVII. Following harvest, a dedicated team of five women meticulously inspected and selected individual berries by hand, ensuring that only fruit meeting the estate's exacting standards entered the winemaking process.
The wine was matured for 22 months in French oak barrels in De Toren's climate-controlled cellar, maintained at approximately 57°F and 80% humidity. Just five barrels were selected for the final release, yielding 1,397 individually numbered bottles.
This exceptionally small production reflects De Toren's philosophy of allowing vineyard quality and barrel selection, rather than a predetermined production target, to determine the final wine.
Winemaker: Martin Fourie
Cellar Master: Charles Williams
Only the finest fruit from selected parcels in the Polkadraai Hills was considered for Book XVII. Following harvest, a dedicated team of five women meticulously inspected and selected individual berries by hand, ensuring that only fruit meeting the estate's exacting standards entered the winemaking process.
The wine was matured for 22 months in French oak barrels in De Toren's climate-controlled cellar, maintained at approximately 57°F and 80% humidity. Just five barrels were selected for the final release, yielding 1,397 individually numbered bottles.
This exceptionally small production reflects De Toren's philosophy of allowing vineyard quality and barrel selection, rather than a predetermined production target, to determine the final wine.
Winemaker: Martin Fourie
Cellar Master: Charles Williams
About the Winery
Established in the Polkadraai Hills of Stellenbosch, De Toren Private Cellar has built an international reputation for its meticulously crafted Bordeaux-style blends. The estate's vineyards benefit from ancient granite-derived soils and the cooling maritime influence of False Bay, providing ideal conditions for Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec, and Petit Verdot.
De Toren's approach is rooted in detailed vineyard research, precision viticulture, and uncompromising fruit selection. Each vineyard block is managed individually, with decisions guided by soil characteristics, vine performance, and the particular requirements of each grape variety.
Book XVII sits at the pinnacle of the estate's portfolio. Conceived as an exploration of what is possible when conventional production constraints are set aside, it represents one of South Africa's most ambitious expressions of Bordeaux-inspired winemaking.
De Toren's approach is rooted in detailed vineyard research, precision viticulture, and uncompromising fruit selection. Each vineyard block is managed individually, with decisions guided by soil characteristics, vine performance, and the particular requirements of each grape variety.
Book XVII sits at the pinnacle of the estate's portfolio. Conceived as an exploration of what is possible when conventional production constraints are set aside, it represents one of South Africa's most ambitious expressions of Bordeaux-inspired winemaking.
