Description
Malbec may be best known for its success in Argentina, but De Toren Patronus 2023 makes a compelling case for what the variety can achieve in Stellenbosch. Now in its third vintage, this exceptionally limited wine comes from carefully selected parcels in the Polkadraai Hills, where mature vines, diverse soils, and the cooling influence of False Bay contribute to its depth and precision. Crafted from just four barrels, Patronus represents a particularly ambitious expression of South African Malbec.
Deeply colored and wonderfully expressive, the 2023 opens with ripe blueberry, dark plum, and juicy cherry, followed by cedar, sweet spice, and subtle vanilla. The palate is rich and concentrated, with velvety, finely grained tannins bringing elegance to the generous dark fruit. A thread of freshness runs through the wine, while notes of black pepper and oak spice add complexity to a long, polished finish.
The 2023 vintage has the structure to reward patience in the cellar, although its generous fruit and supple texture make it appealing even in its youth. Decant for at least an hour before serving, and pair with slow-roasted lamb shoulder, duck confit, grilled ribeye, or venison. A distinctive addition to any serious collection of South African reds.
Deeply colored and wonderfully expressive, the 2023 opens with ripe blueberry, dark plum, and juicy cherry, followed by cedar, sweet spice, and subtle vanilla. The palate is rich and concentrated, with velvety, finely grained tannins bringing elegance to the generous dark fruit. A thread of freshness runs through the wine, while notes of black pepper and oak spice add complexity to a long, polished finish.
The 2023 vintage has the structure to reward patience in the cellar, although its generous fruit and supple texture make it appealing even in its youth. Decant for at least an hour before serving, and pair with slow-roasted lamb shoulder, duck confit, grilled ribeye, or venison. A distinctive addition to any serious collection of South African reds.
* Prior vintage described.
In the cellar
The 2023 growing season presented De Toren with unusually cool, dry summer conditions that slowed ripening and encouraged the development of concentrated flavors and balanced natural acidity. Malbec's relatively early ripening proved particularly advantageous, allowing the team to harvest the fruit before late-season rainfall arrived.
The wine draws on three carefully selected vineyard blocks, including vines more than 27 years old. Each parcel contributes something different to the final composition, from the structure and depth of the older vines to the aromatic finesse and freshness of the other blocks.
Following careful fruit selection, the grapes underwent whole-berry fermentation before maturation in oak. The wine spent approximately 18 months in predominantly French oak barrels, allowing its concentrated fruit, tannins, and oak-derived spice to integrate.
Only four barrels contributed to the final 2023 blend, with the winemaking team making a considered adjustment to one barrel's contribution to achieve the desired balance. The result is a powerful yet finely composed Malbec, made with longevity firmly in mind.
Winemaker: Martin Fourie
Cellar Master: Charles Williams
The wine draws on three carefully selected vineyard blocks, including vines more than 27 years old. Each parcel contributes something different to the final composition, from the structure and depth of the older vines to the aromatic finesse and freshness of the other blocks.
Following careful fruit selection, the grapes underwent whole-berry fermentation before maturation in oak. The wine spent approximately 18 months in predominantly French oak barrels, allowing its concentrated fruit, tannins, and oak-derived spice to integrate.
Only four barrels contributed to the final 2023 blend, with the winemaking team making a considered adjustment to one barrel's contribution to achieve the desired balance. The result is a powerful yet finely composed Malbec, made with longevity firmly in mind.
Winemaker: Martin Fourie
Cellar Master: Charles Williams
About the Winery
Situated in the Polkadraai Hills of Stellenbosch, De Toren Private Cellar has earned an international reputation for its precision-driven approach to premium red winemaking. Established in the 1990s, the estate is particularly celebrated for its Bordeaux-style blends, including Fusion V and De Toren Z.
Its vineyards benefit from a combination of diverse soils, carefully selected grape clones, and cooling maritime breezes from False Bay. Detailed vineyard management and meticulous fruit selection remain central to the estate's philosophy, with each wine designed to express the character of its site.
Patronus takes that philosophy in a different direction, focusing entirely on Malbec rather than the estate's traditional Bordeaux blends. Its name, derived from the Latin word for patron or protector, reflects De Toren's commitment to conservation. Through its partnership with The Rhino Orphanage in Limpopo, Patronus has also contributed to the rescue and rehabilitation of orphaned rhinoceroses.
Its vineyards benefit from a combination of diverse soils, carefully selected grape clones, and cooling maritime breezes from False Bay. Detailed vineyard management and meticulous fruit selection remain central to the estate's philosophy, with each wine designed to express the character of its site.
Patronus takes that philosophy in a different direction, focusing entirely on Malbec rather than the estate's traditional Bordeaux blends. Its name, derived from the Latin word for patron or protector, reflects De Toren's commitment to conservation. Through its partnership with The Rhino Orphanage in Limpopo, Patronus has also contributed to the rescue and rehabilitation of orphaned rhinoceroses.
