2021 De Toren Private Cellar Patronus
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| Type of Wine | |
|---|---|
| Country | South Africa |
| Region | |
| Appellation | Stellenbosch (Appellatie) |
| Winery | |
| Vintage | 2021 |
| Grape | , , |
| Content (Alc) | 0.75 ltr (14.5%) |
| Drink window | 2025 - 2045 |
Description
About the winery De Toren Private Cellar
De Toren Private Cellar was founded in the early 1990s by Emil and Sonette den Dulk in the Polkadraai Hills, just outside Stellenbosch in the Western Cape. The tower that rises above the cellar symbolizes the gravity-fed winemaking system employed by the estate. Situated between 200 and 400 meters above sea level and constantly cooled by the ocean, the vineyards enjoy ideal conditions. Warm days and cool nights ensure optimal ripening and natural balance. The soils consist of weathered granite and clay with excellent drainage. This makes De Toren's wines full-bodied, complex, yet elegant.
The winery built its reputation on Bordeaux-style blends, but also produces exclusive single-varietal wines of exceptional quality. The Patronus Malbec is among the estate's finest and is produced in very limited quantities.
The concept of Patronus within De Toren
Patronus is the crowning achievement of De Toren. The wine is made from the estate's oldest Malbec vines, whose yields are extremely low. The name Patronus evokes protection and perfection—a reference to the care with which every step is carried out, from pruning to bottling. Everything is done by hand, in small batches, and with the utmost attention to detail. The goal is to create a pure and powerful expression of Malbec that feels both refined and timeless.
The 2021 Patronus wine – grapes, harvest and vinification
The Toren Patronus 2021 is made entirely from hand-harvested Malbec grapes. The bunches were rigorously selected, and only the perfectly ripe berries were used. Fermentation took place under controlled temperatures to preserve the fruit aromas and make the tannins velvety smooth. The wine was then aged for 18 months in French oak barrels, some of which were new, to add depth and complexity without overpowering the fruit.
The 2021 vintage was known in Stellenbosch as a relatively cool and balanced year. This resulted in grapes with beautiful acidity, refined aromas, and a remarkably long aging period. The wine has an alcohol content of around 14.5% and is perfectly balanced between power and elegance.
Color, scent and taste of the 2021 Patronus
In the glass, the Patronus 2021 reveals a deep purple with an inky core. The nose opens with blackberries, blueberries, black cherries, and violets, followed by subtle notes of cedarwood, graphite, and dark chocolate. On the palate, the wine is intense and velvety with layers of dark fruit, mocha, and a hint of mint. The tannins are finely grained and elegantly interwoven with the vibrant acidity. The long, mineral finish reveals the signature of Polkadraai Hills – powerful yet balanced, with a remarkable freshness and precision.
Would you like to order wines from De Toren 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 these 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. You can read full wine reviews from publications like Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator.
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
- Grilled lamb chops with rosemary and thyme – the wine's structure perfectly complements the juicy meat and spicy aromas.
- Ossobuco with truffle risotto – the wine's full body and length enhance the savory and earthy flavors.
- Roast duck breast with figs and balsamic vinegar – the dark fruit and soft tannins support the sweet-savory balance of the dish.
- Venison stew with winter vegetables – the wine stands up well to the powerful flavours and creates harmony.
- Ravioli filled with mushrooms and sage butter – the earthy notes of the dish complement the spicy and mineral side of the wine beautifully.
- Mature farm cheese with fig compote – the ripe fruit notes and long finish provide a rounded, elegant conclusion.
Specifications
| Packing information | Case |
|---|---|
| Type of Wine | Red |
| Country | South Africa |
| Region | Western Cape |
| Appellation | Stellenbosch (Appellatie) |
| Winery | De Toren Private Cellar |
| Grape | Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot |
| Biological certified | No |
| Natural wine | No |
| Vegan | No |
| Vintage | 2021 |
| Drinking as of | 2025 |
| Drinking till | 2045 |
| Alcohol % | 14.5 |
| Alcohol free/low | No |
| Content | 0.75 ltr |
| Oak aging | Yes |
| Sparkling | No |
| Dessert wine | No |
| Closure | Cork |
| Parker rating | 93 |
Professional Reviews
Parker
The Wine Advocate
RP 92+
Reviewed by:
Anthony Mueller
Release Price:
NA
Drink Date:
2023 - 2034
Boasting ripe, dark red fruit tones, the 2018 Z is focused with a frame of oak before swaying with red and purple flowers and ripe, dusty plum. Medium to full-bodied, the mostly Merlot blend shows an expressive and elegant frame with soft herbal essences, juicy and succulent black cherries and subtle herbal notes of sage. It ends with a broad and tannic edge on the long-lingering finish. I'm going back for seconds. It's a well-made, delicious wine. Give it a try.
Published: Jul 31, 2023
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
94/100
94/100 Tim Atkins
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
Exclusive Content
Sign in to unlock professional wine reviews from world-renowned critics
Wijnhuis
De Toren Private Cellar ranks among the finest South African wineries. From its iconic location in Stellenbosch, De Toren crafts elegant Bordeaux-style blends with international allure. These wines combine power, finesse, and ageing potential – a perfect reflection of the terroir and craftsmanship behind this renowned estate.
From dream to icon: the history of De Toren
In the early 1990s, Emil and Sonette den Dulk left their busy lives in Johannesburg to pursue a new dream among the vineyards of Stellenbosch. They discovered an exceptional hillside in the Polkadraai Hills with views of False Bay and Table Mountain. The combination of elevation, sea breezes, and complex soils proved perfect for producing refined Bordeaux-style reds. In 1999, the first wine from De Toren Private Cellar was released, immediately establishing the estate among the top wineries in South Africa. Today, De Toren stands as a benchmark for modern, elegant South African wine with a truly global reputation.
The terroir of De Toren: Polkadraai Hills
The vineyards of De Toren Private Cellar are located on the southern slopes of the Polkadraai Hills – one of the coolest and most sought-after areas of Stellenbosch. The proximity to False Bay provides a steady ocean breeze that moderates the heat and allows the grapes to ripen slowly. This results in wines with a natural balance of power and freshness. The elevation of around 200 metres and the diversity of soils – from weathered granite to clay and sandstone – lend each wine its own distinctive character and depth.
Grape varieties and vineyards of De Toren Private Cellar
De Toren focuses exclusively on red grape varieties. The vineyards are planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot – the five classic Bordeaux grapes. Each variety is carefully matched to the soil that best suits it. The poor, stony soils encourage deep root growth, producing grapes of remarkable concentration and aromatic depth. Harvesting is done entirely by hand, often in the early morning to preserve freshness. Each parcel is vinified separately and transferred by gravity, avoiding the use of pumps. This gentle handling ensures maximum purity and elegance in the finished wine.
Winemaking philosophy and style
De Toren’s philosophy revolves around precision and respect for the fruit. The winemaking process is meticulous, with each vineyard block fermented and aged individually. The wines mature in French oak barrels of the highest quality, with a thoughtful balance between new and seasoned wood. The result is a collection of wines showing layered aromas of cassis, plum, spice, and cedar, supported by silky tannins. They combine Bordeaux structure with the sun-drenched charm of South Africa – elegant, balanced, and built to age gracefully.
Did you know…?
- The name “De Toren” refers to the white tower on the estate, which houses a unique gravity-flow system allowing the wine to move gently from tank to barrel without pumps or pressure.
- The granite soils of Polkadraai are over 500 million years old – among the oldest in the world – adding a distinct mineral tension to the wines.
- Each grape undergoes more than twenty quality checks before reaching the fermentation tanks, ensuring only the best fruit is used.
- Yields are deliberately kept low to achieve maximum concentration and perfect balance.
Order De Toren Private Cellar wines at Grandcruwijnen
The wines from De Toren Private Cellar are available at Grandcruwijnen. All bottles are stored in a climate-controlled Wine Warehouse to ensure optimal preservation. Ordering is easy via our online shop, with home delivery or the option to pick up your order at our wine store in Dordrecht. When collecting in person, you’ll benefit from an attractive discount. Experience the finesse of Stellenbosch wines – perfectly stored and selected by our team of wine experts.
About the winery De Toren Private Cellar
De Toren Private Cellar was founded in the early 1990s by Emil and Sonette den Dulk in the Polkadraai Hills, just outside Stellenbosch in the Western Cape. The tower that rises above the cellar symbolizes the gravity-fed winemaking system employed by the estate. Situated between 200 and 400 meters above sea level and constantly cooled by the ocean, the vineyards enjoy ideal conditions. Warm days and cool nights ensure optimal ripening and natural balance. The soils consist of weathered granite and clay with excellent drainage. This makes De Toren's wines full-bodied, complex, yet elegant.
The winery built its reputation on Bordeaux-style blends, but also produces exclusive single-varietal wines of exceptional quality. The Patronus Malbec is among the estate's finest and is produced in very limited quantities.
The concept of Patronus within De Toren
Patronus is the crowning achievement of De Toren. The wine is made from the estate's oldest Malbec vines, whose yields are extremely low. The name Patronus evokes protection and perfection—a reference to the care with which every step is carried out, from pruning to bottling. Everything is done by hand, in small batches, and with the utmost attention to detail. The goal is to create a pure and powerful expression of Malbec that feels both refined and timeless.
The 2021 Patronus wine – grapes, harvest and vinification
The Toren Patronus 2021 is made entirely from hand-harvested Malbec grapes. The bunches were rigorously selected, and only the perfectly ripe berries were used. Fermentation took place under controlled temperatures to preserve the fruit aromas and make the tannins velvety smooth. The wine was then aged for 18 months in French oak barrels, some of which were new, to add depth and complexity without overpowering the fruit.
The 2021 vintage was known in Stellenbosch as a relatively cool and balanced year. This resulted in grapes with beautiful acidity, refined aromas, and a remarkably long aging period. The wine has an alcohol content of around 14.5% and is perfectly balanced between power and elegance.
Color, scent and taste of the 2021 Patronus
In the glass, the Patronus 2021 reveals a deep purple with an inky core. The nose opens with blackberries, blueberries, black cherries, and violets, followed by subtle notes of cedarwood, graphite, and dark chocolate. On the palate, the wine is intense and velvety with layers of dark fruit, mocha, and a hint of mint. The tannins are finely grained and elegantly interwoven with the vibrant acidity. The long, mineral finish reveals the signature of Polkadraai Hills – powerful yet balanced, with a remarkable freshness and precision.
Would you like to order wines from De Toren 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 these 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. You can read full wine reviews from publications like Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator.
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
- Grilled lamb chops with rosemary and thyme – the wine's structure perfectly complements the juicy meat and spicy aromas.
- Ossobuco with truffle risotto – the wine's full body and length enhance the savory and earthy flavors.
- Roast duck breast with figs and balsamic vinegar – the dark fruit and soft tannins support the sweet-savory balance of the dish.
- Venison stew with winter vegetables – the wine stands up well to the powerful flavours and creates harmony.
- Ravioli filled with mushrooms and sage butter – the earthy notes of the dish complement the spicy and mineral side of the wine beautifully.
- Mature farm cheese with fig compote – the ripe fruit notes and long finish provide a rounded, elegant conclusion.
| Packing information | Case |
|---|---|
| Type of Wine | Red |
| Country | South Africa |
| Region | Western Cape |
| Appellation | Stellenbosch (Appellatie) |
| Winery | De Toren Private Cellar |
| Grape | Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot |
| Biological certified | No |
| Natural wine | No |
| Vegan | No |
| Vintage | 2021 |
| Drinking as of | 2025 |
| Drinking till | 2045 |
| Alcohol % | 14.5 |
| Alcohol free/low | No |
| Content | 0.75 ltr |
| Oak aging | Yes |
| Sparkling | No |
| Dessert wine | No |
| Closure | Cork |
| Parker rating | 93 |
Parker
The Wine Advocate
RP 92+
Reviewed by:
Anthony Mueller
Release Price:
NA
Drink Date:
2023 - 2034
Boasting ripe, dark red fruit tones, the 2018 Z is focused with a frame of oak before swaying with red and purple flowers and ripe, dusty plum. Medium to full-bodied, the mostly Merlot blend shows an expressive and elegant frame with soft herbal essences, juicy and succulent black cherries and subtle herbal notes of sage. It ends with a broad and tannic edge on the long-lingering finish. I'm going back for seconds. It's a well-made, delicious wine. Give it a try.
Published: Jul 31, 2023
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
94/100
94/100 Tim Atkins
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
Exclusive Content
Sign in to unlock professional wine reviews from world-renowned critics
De Toren Private Cellar ranks among the finest South African wineries. From its iconic location in Stellenbosch, De Toren crafts elegant Bordeaux-style blends with international allure. These wines combine power, finesse, and ageing potential – a perfect reflection of the terroir and craftsmanship behind this renowned estate.
From dream to icon: the history of De Toren
In the early 1990s, Emil and Sonette den Dulk left their busy lives in Johannesburg to pursue a new dream among the vineyards of Stellenbosch. They discovered an exceptional hillside in the Polkadraai Hills with views of False Bay and Table Mountain. The combination of elevation, sea breezes, and complex soils proved perfect for producing refined Bordeaux-style reds. In 1999, the first wine from De Toren Private Cellar was released, immediately establishing the estate among the top wineries in South Africa. Today, De Toren stands as a benchmark for modern, elegant South African wine with a truly global reputation.
The terroir of De Toren: Polkadraai Hills
The vineyards of De Toren Private Cellar are located on the southern slopes of the Polkadraai Hills – one of the coolest and most sought-after areas of Stellenbosch. The proximity to False Bay provides a steady ocean breeze that moderates the heat and allows the grapes to ripen slowly. This results in wines with a natural balance of power and freshness. The elevation of around 200 metres and the diversity of soils – from weathered granite to clay and sandstone – lend each wine its own distinctive character and depth.
Grape varieties and vineyards of De Toren Private Cellar
De Toren focuses exclusively on red grape varieties. The vineyards are planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot – the five classic Bordeaux grapes. Each variety is carefully matched to the soil that best suits it. The poor, stony soils encourage deep root growth, producing grapes of remarkable concentration and aromatic depth. Harvesting is done entirely by hand, often in the early morning to preserve freshness. Each parcel is vinified separately and transferred by gravity, avoiding the use of pumps. This gentle handling ensures maximum purity and elegance in the finished wine.
Winemaking philosophy and style
De Toren’s philosophy revolves around precision and respect for the fruit. The winemaking process is meticulous, with each vineyard block fermented and aged individually. The wines mature in French oak barrels of the highest quality, with a thoughtful balance between new and seasoned wood. The result is a collection of wines showing layered aromas of cassis, plum, spice, and cedar, supported by silky tannins. They combine Bordeaux structure with the sun-drenched charm of South Africa – elegant, balanced, and built to age gracefully.
Did you know…?
- The name “De Toren” refers to the white tower on the estate, which houses a unique gravity-flow system allowing the wine to move gently from tank to barrel without pumps or pressure.
- The granite soils of Polkadraai are over 500 million years old – among the oldest in the world – adding a distinct mineral tension to the wines.
- Each grape undergoes more than twenty quality checks before reaching the fermentation tanks, ensuring only the best fruit is used.
- Yields are deliberately kept low to achieve maximum concentration and perfect balance.
Order De Toren Private Cellar wines at Grandcruwijnen
The wines from De Toren Private Cellar are available at Grandcruwijnen. All bottles are stored in a climate-controlled Wine Warehouse to ensure optimal preservation. Ordering is easy via our online shop, with home delivery or the option to pick up your order at our wine store in Dordrecht. When collecting in person, you’ll benefit from an attractive discount. Experience the finesse of Stellenbosch wines – perfectly stored and selected by our team of wine experts.
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