De Toren 2015 Book 17 XVII Red (Stellenbosch)

This huge, dense and firmly structured bottling absolutely begs for time in the cellar to allow the primary characteristics to mellow and greater elegance and nuance to unfold. Currently, it's an absolute bruiser, with boatloads of plush, ripe black berry and plum characteristics that are coupled with seductive notes of campfire, vanilla bean, Thin Mint, woodspice and licorice root. The assertive tannins produce a bold, extremely firm texture that is in equal measure to the superbly rich and concentrated fruit. Secondary notes of pencil shavings, violets, pipe tobacco and char unfold beneath the fruit, and suggest even further evolution and grace to come with time. Drink 2026–2038. Lauren Buzzeo