*7R* 2017 De Toren “Fusion V" Red Blend (Stellenbosch, South Africa)

Weight: 7R

Varietal: Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, Petit Verdot

Region: Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa

South African wines have a knack for straddling the flavor profiles of old vs. new world wines; De Toren's "Fusion V" does this at a very high level, with its left-bank blend of Cabernets Sauvignon and Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Malbec. Sustainable and low-impact practices are used throughout the vineyards and winery, helping the plush assortment of plummy black fruits, tobacco and leather notes to shine through. Approachable now, but will improve for 5 to 8 more years.