Emil den Dulk, De Toren, South Africa

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  Emil and Sonette den Dulk left the bustling metropolis of Johannesburg in 1991 to seek the beauty and serenity of the Cape winelands. They stumbled upon what Emil refers to as “a little piece of heaven” in the Polkadraai Hills, with the magnificent Stellenbosch Mountains as backdrop. It was here that they established De Toren Private Cellar. With the help of specialists from the University of Stellenbosch, Emil set out to carve a niche for his boutique estate by creating South Africa’s first five-varietal Bordeaux blend, the now legendary Fusion V.

  Situated on southern facing slopes overlooking False Bay at altitudes of 170 to 200 meters, De Toren enjoys the cooling effect of constant ocean breezes. Approximately 22 of the farm’s 26 hectares are planted to the Bordeaux varietals of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot. 18 different clones are grown in ten distinct soil types (the most prevalent being Tukulu/Pinedene, Sterkspruit and Estcourt), with varietals,clones and root stocks matched to their ideal soil types following extensive soil studies.