2012 De Toren Fusion V

(56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Malbec, 10% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 9% Petit Verdot; the winery's "Left Bank blend"): Bright medium ruby-red. Inviting aromas of dark plum, cassis, spices, licorice and menthol. Plush, velvety and seamless on the palate, offering lovely pliancy for a Cabernet-dominated wine. The dark berry and spice flavors are complemented by a chocolatey richness but kept firm by underlying minerality. Finishes with serious, well-buffered tannins and building, palate-saturating length. Has the balance to be enjoyed early or to cellar. As with the Z blend, this bottling is now made entirely with estate fruit. De Toren is very concerned about avoiding harsh tannins and greenness in their wines and thus employs women to pick the fruit due to their gentler hands.

Their ‘left bank style’. From a specific west-facing slope. 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Malbec, then Merlot and Cabernet Franc and a bit of Petit Verdot. The vines are from about 15 years old. Sweet and very fine tannins. They are big fans of Malbec here. Quite alcoholic. Just a tad too sweet. Finishes a little suddenly. Already drinkable. (JR)