De Toren Private Cellar Délicate N.V.

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Description

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the De Toren Private Cellar winery: history and location

De Toren Private Cellar was founded in the 1990s by Emil and Sonette den Dulk, who left their lives in Johannesburg for a new adventure among the vineyards of Stellenbosch. Their goal was clear: to create wines that combine finesse, balance, and character. The estate is situated on the southern slopes of the Polkadraai Hills, a privileged location overlooking False Bay. The fresh sea breeze tempers the heat and ensures slow, even ripening of the grapes. The soil consists of weathered granite, sandstone, and loam, allowing the vines to develop deep roots and produce grapes with remarkable concentration and tension.

The estate is entirely hand-crafted. Each bunch is carefully harvested and selected. The white tower of the winery houses the gravity-driven cellar, where the wine is processed without pumping. This produces wines with natural elegance and a soft, structured texture.

region, terroir and climate

The Polkadraai Hills are part of Stellenbosch and are known for their cool microclimate. The combination of ocean influence, sunny days, and cool nights creates a long growing season. This allows the grapes to develop ripe aromas without losing their freshness. The well-draining soils restrict vine growth, resulting in concentrated berries with intense color and flavor. These conditions form the basis for the refined, fruity character of Délicate NV.

the wine Délicate NV: composition, style and vinification

The Toren Délicate NV is a unique, non-vintage red blend, designed for year-round enjoyment. The composition varies slightly per bottling, but generally consists of Malbec, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Malbec takes center stage, bringing juicy red fruit and soft tannins. Merlot and Cabernet Franc add roundness and refinement, while a small amount of Cabernet Sauvignon provides structure and length.

The wine is partially fermented in stainless steel to preserve the fresh fruit, while a portion is aged in used French oak barrels to develop complexity and softness. The result is an accessible, medium-bodied wine that can be enjoyed both as a light red and chilled summer wine. Délicate is intended as a modern interpretation of elegance: smooth, aromatic, and immediately drinkable, without betraying its origins.

color, scent and taste of Délicate NV

In the glass, Délicate reveals a bright ruby red color with purple hues. The aroma is seductive and pure: strawberry, raspberry, red cherry, and a hint of rose petals. A subtle spiciness of cinnamon and white pepper adds dimension to the nose.

The palate is smooth and fruit-driven, with velvety tannins and lively acidity. The mouthfeel is light yet expressive, with layers of ripe red fruit, a touch of spice, and a refined, fresh finish. The wine is excellent for immediate consumption and offers just the right balance between elegance and accessibility. It is even better enjoyed slightly chilled.

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, right next to 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

  • Spicy chicken skewers with peppers and onions – the juicy chicken and mild spices complement the wine's fresh red fruit perfectly.
  • Baked salmon with lentils and balsamic vinegar – the fruity acidity of the wine balances the dish and keeps it fresh.
  • Fresh pasta with tomato, basil, and Parmesan cheese – the light texture and red fruit flavors complement the acidity of the sauce beautifully.
  • Charcuterie board with soft cheeses and olives – a casual yet delicious pairing where the wine beautifully balances the salt and fat.
  • Mushroom and thyme risotto – the earthy notes of the dish enhance the subtle spiciness of the wine.
  • Grilled vegetables with olive oil and garlic – the simplicity of the dish allows the wine to express its full, smooth character.

Specifications

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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
Drinking as of 2025
Alcohol % 14.5
Alcohol free/low No
Content 0.75 ltr
Oak aging Yes
Sparkling No
Dessert wine No
Closure Cork
Parker rating 94

Professional Reviews

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Parker

94

95/100

R

Wijnhuis

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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.

Attachments

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