Tasted it @Stellenbosch with Emile, the owner of De Toren against Fusion V. My preference has been Fusion, while my wife liked Z better. Bought Z on release at LCBO. Gorgeous wine, only slightly less complex than Fusion V. Think top Pomerol with a bit of a New World twist. Feminine. Celebrity equivalent: Charlise Theron.

Dark ruby in colour with high intensity in the nose.

Positives: There is a lot going on with this wine both on the nose & taste. They are: cedar, plums, raisins, herbaceous notes, carnation on the nose, bramble fruit, dark chocolate, candy apple, vanilla bean, turmeric, leather , pencil shavings, black olives & hickory. This wine is full body with good acidity, medium+ tannins & a long finish.

Negatives: A lot of heat coming from the high alcohol, and a little to herbaceous on the taste.

Interesting Thing: The wine's nose is a lot sweeter than the taste, which is a little austere.

Drink now or cellar for another 5 years. Drink on its own as a meal or pair it with grilled T-bone steak.

Tasted: 30 Nov 11

Score: 9+/10, Value: 8.5/10, Score: 18/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4

This wine opened up with aromas of plum, black cherry, blackberry, dark chocolate, violets, herbs and pepper. On the mouthfeel, full bodied, dark and concentrated flavours, firm texture, slightly rustic with good acidity and grainy tannins. This blends finish is long with lots of oak spices and smoky characteristics. De Toren Z is not as memorable has there Fusion V which is more elegant and complex, I would have liked a little less toasty oak but Z is still quite pleasant.