19th Century, Modern, Post-War and Contemporary Art, Decorative Arts, Jewellery and Wine

Live Virtual Auction, 11 - 13 April 2021

De Toren Private Cellar, Meerlust Estate and Mullineux

Sold for

ZAR 6 449
Lot 45
  • De Toren; Book XVII; 2012; 1 (1 X 1); 750ml
  • De Toren; Book XVII; 2012; 1 (1 X 1); 750ml


Lot Estimate
ZAR 5 500 - 6 500
Selling Price
Incl. Buyer's Premium & VAT
ZAR 6 449

About this Item

2012 Book XVII
1 (1 X 1) 750ml

De Toren has been focused on developing and re-defining the Bordeaux concept into something uniquely South African since they acquired their first hectares in 1991. Specialising in luxurious & award-winning Bordeaux-style blends.The winery itself was nominated for best ‘New World Winery of the Year’ by Wine Enthusiast in 2011 and has established an iconic following. At De Toren the pursuit for perfection is evident in their grape selection and harvesting. They aim to ‘create an environment where vines produce flawless fruit and then guard these grapes as they are gently steered from vineyard, to cellar to bottle’.

De Toren acquired their first vineyards in 1991 and redefined the Bordeaux concept in South Africa ever since, establishing an iconic following. The Book XVII name originates from the writings of the Roman philosopher ‘Pliny the Elder’ who in book number 17 touches on why wines from certain areas are exceptional. With its maiden vintage in 2010, and with no more than 1200 exclusively numbered bottles produced with each vintage. Book XVII is poised to become an icon of history in its own right, and one that Pilny, no doubt, would have given his coveted stamp of approval. Handmade and crafted at De Toren.

Provenance

Producer

Critics Ratings

'Opulent and full bodied, but also still retains good freshness. Fruit driven, lush black berries, chocolate and toasty oak. Seamless to drink – rich and velvety, ripe tannins, with deep concentration and some savoury dryness in the tail.' - Higgo Jacobs (Feb 2021), 92/100

‘A mammoth wine that is just starting to integrate. Although it is still quite tight and elegant for the huge fruit, oak and powerful tannins. Sweet core with creamy, but fresh finish. Very impressive! Drink now to 2035’ - Roland Peens (Feb 2021)

‘First produced in 2010, De Toren’s Book 17 is something of a statement, both in terms of its price and its super concentrated style. It’s a divisive wine, a little like Château Pavie in Saint Emilion, that people either love or hate. Very oaky, very ripe and very dense, with flavours of fig, dried herbs and vanilla. Drink: 2015-20.’ – Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2015, 92/100

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