2021 De Toren Private Cellar Patronus

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.