Book XVII

The phenomenal Book XVII pairs perfectly with a classic rack of lamb or a rich lamb shank dish, roasted to absolute perfection.

Our unique hilltop location on the flanks of the Polkadraai Hills provides a mezzo-climate that allows us to pay tribute to the Bordeaux concept whilst reinterpreting it to be uniquely South African. The recognition of this land’s untapped potential laid the foundation for De Toren’s approach to producing wines with pronounced Left Bank and Right Bank characteristics. Inspired by the world-renowned Bordeaux wines, each of our distinct wines is site-specific and a true reflection of the soil and conditions in which they grow, ensuring a unique flavour profile for each of these wines. Incredibly, De Toren has bestowed an unusually high concentration of soils with over 15 different soil types across the 25 hectares. Working with academics from the University of Stellenbosch no less than 10 rootstocks were matched to 25 different clones and planted in microlots to match the specific soils.

Ageing in 200% new premium French oak for 18 months. 200% new oak. Wine is aged for 12 months in new French Oak and transferred to new French Oak Barrels again for 6 months

Dropping crop loads to 300g per vine (Usually 3kg per vine). Each bunch hand manicured on the vine. Hand harvesting and destemming with workers wearing surgical gloves. Fermented in New French Oak Barrels. Hand punch-down

De Toren is a Stellenbosch estate specialising in Bordeaux-style red blends from its 25-hectare Helderberg site. With detailed soil mapping, classic Bordeaux varieties and a vineyard-first approach, De Toren has become one of South Africa’s strongest names for structured, age-worthy red wine.