2020 De Toren Private Cellar Fusion V

the De Toren Private Cellar winery: history and location

De Toren Private Cellar was founded in the early 1990s by Emil and Sonette den Dulk. Their dream was to produce a wine in Stellenbosch that could rival the finest Bordeaux. They found their ideal location on the Polkadraai Hills, overlooking False Bay and Table Mountain. The cool sea breeze tempers the summer heat, allowing the grapes to ripen slowly and evenly. This combination of ocean influence, sunshine, and altitude makes De Toren's wines remarkably refined by South African standards.

The estate is entirely focused on red wines. The vineyards are spread across several small plots, each with its own unique soil type. This diversity—from granite to sandy loam—allows each grape variety to grow precisely where it thrives. Everything is harvested by hand, carefully sorted, and processed via a gravity-fed system in the estate's iconic white tower. This preserves the fruit's natural balance.

region, climate and terroir

The Polkadraai Hills, located in western Stellenbosch, are among the region's cooler zones. The slopes rise between 170 and 200 meters above sea level, directly influenced by ocean winds. This creates cool nights and delayed ripening, allowing the grapes to retain their acidity. The soil consists of weathered granite and sandstone with excellent drainage. This combination of airy soil and mineral structure produces grapes with concentration, depth, and vibrant acidity.

the 2020 Fusion V wine: blend, harvest, vinification and aging

The Toren Fusion V 2020 is blended from Cabernet Sauvignon (53%), Merlot (17%), Malbec (13%), Cabernet Franc (12%), and Petit Verdot (5%). The grapes were hand-picked in the early morning to preserve their freshness. After careful sorting, each varietal was fermented separately in small, open-top tanks. The wine was then aged in French oak barriques, some of which were new, to impart structure and complexity without overpowering the fruit.

The result is a wine with an alcohol content of 14.5%, layered and perfectly balanced between power and elegance. The 2020 is still young but already shows its class. According to a 93+ point rating from The Wine Advocate, this vintage shows a "dusty red fruit profile with mineral notes, pencil lead, graphite, and cherry in the underlayer." The reviewer calls the wine "medium to full-bodied, fresh, mineral-driven, and complex, with an earthy refinement and a mineral finish." The wine can already be enjoyed with pleasure, especially with food, but will gain further depth in the coming years. Patience is rewarded.

color, smell and taste

The Toren Fusion V 2020 reveals a deep ruby red color in the glass with purple hues at the rim. The nose opens with cassis, black cherry, and blackberry, followed by subtle notes of graphite, cedar, and spicy tobacco. A hint of violet and licorice lingers, adding a touch of refinement. Swirling also reveals a mineral, slightly smoky note – typical of Polkadraai bases.

On the palate, the wine is structured and energetic. Ripe red and black fruit form the core, framed by silky tannins. The oak influence is precisely measured, adding depth without being overpowering. The mouthfeel is balanced and concludes with a long, fresh finish full of minerality and a touch of earth. The wine is already approachable, but with a few years of bottle aging, it will become even rounder and more complex.

Would you like to order wines from De Toren Private Cellar online?

If available, you'll find the official fact sheet and additional information about this fine wine in the "Attachments" tab. We'll automatically send you this information when you order this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll often receive a nice discount. You'll see your discount immediately when you select "Pick up" at the checkout page. We're located in Dordrecht, just off the A16 motorway with ample parking. Click here for our address.

Need advice on finding the perfect wine to pair with your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grand Cru customers.

wine and food pairings

• Roast leg of lamb with rosemary and garlic. The hearty meat complements the robust structure and spiciness of the wine.
• Beef stew with red wine, carrot, and thyme. The full flavors and soft tannins complement each other perfectly.
• Grilled tuna with a soy glaze and toasted sesame seeds. The minerality of the wine complements the umami notes of the dish surprisingly well.
• Venison fillet with truffle jus and celeriac puree. A luxurious combination in which the wine's deep fruity notes add depth to the dish.
• Mushroom and Parmesan risotto. The creamy texture of the risotto and the earthy notes enhance the wine's elegance.
• Peking duck with crispy skin and a dark cherry sauce. The ripe fruit and spicy notes of the wine create a harmonious combination.