De Toren Fusion V – 2011 (750ml)

The 2011 Fusion V offers a smooth, quite voluptuous bouquet with dark cherries, plum and salted licorice that is well-defined. The palate shows admirable clarity with supple tannins, fleshy raspberry and red currant fruit that dovetail into a composed, harmonious finish that lingers long in the mouth. Lovely. Drink now-2018.
De Thoren fashions a style of wine that is squarely aimed at the American market with bold flavors as well as a richer more extravagant style. There is nothing wrong with that if it is well done, which I think these two cuvees are. While I would not hold them up as the apotheosis of South Africa, those that like a little more body and density in their red blends will find much to like here. As I mentioned in my previous report, winemaker Charles Williams is beginning to imbue his wines with a touch more finesse allied with that power.
Importer: Cape Classics, New York, NY; tel. (212) 686-1300.
Wine Advocate – 90 points