Vin de Constance 2008

Klein Constantia

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Tasting Notes
The 2008 Vin de Constance needs a little more encouragement from the glass compared to other vintages. It is reminiscent of a Barsac with aspirations toward a Tokaji Aszú! There is lovely definition on the nose, which offers scents of Seville orange marmalade, quince, sea spray and mandarin, all gaining intensity with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with a viscous opening. Like the 2012, this is built around a killer line of acidity that lends tension and poise. Marmalade, apricot jam, grapefruit and honeyed notes form the chorus line, later joined by stem ginger and rhubarb. The finish is long and graceful. Excellent. Score: 95 Neal Martin, Vinous.com Maturity: 2020-2045 01 September 2020
The 2008 Vin de Constance is the latest release from the estate. We were happy with the 2008, Matthew told me. But it was tough to follow-up a great vintage. It spent a slightly shorter time in barrel and has 160g/L residual sugar with a pH of 3.6. It had the lowest volatile acidity in a Vin de Constance in a long time. To me the 2008 is more toward the older style of Vin de Constance. It already offers a very complex bouquet with fresh pineapple, quince, Japanese yuzu, just a hint of grass clippings and then later mille fieulle. It is obviously tightly wound at the moment, but extremely well focused. The palate is medium-bodied with a fine viscous entry that immediately comes across as very elegant and refined. It feel smooth and pure gentle in the mouth, caressing the senses with its quince and marmalade tinged finish with a suggestions of shaved ginger on the aftertaste. Returning after 40 minutes, the finish has mellowed and attained a beguiling effervescent quality, almost like an unctuous Lucozade! Wonderful. Score: 95 Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com 01 October 2013
In October 2015, Vin de Constance 2008 was served by the Queen to the Chinese President Xi Qinping at a state banquet at Buckingham Palace, along with Haut Brion 1989 and Warre 1977. Score: - Albany Vintners, - 01 October 2015
Gorgeous apricot, warmed peach, dried mango and maple notes lead the way in this unctuous dessert wine, with crystalized ginger, green tea and dried blood orange flavors filling in through the finish. Has enough well-embedded acidity to carry it all easily, finishing with impressive range and cut. Drink now through 2030. Score: 94 James Molesworth, Wine Spectator Maturity: 2014-2030 31 August 2014

Tasting Notes

The 2008 Vin de Constance needs a little more encouragement from the glass compared to other vintages. It is reminiscent of a Barsac with aspirations toward a Tokaji Aszú! There is lovely definition on the nose, which offers scents of Seville orange marmalade, quince, sea spray and mandarin, all gaining intensity with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with a viscous opening. Like the 2012, this is built around a killer line of acidity that lends tension and poise. Marmalade, apricot jam, grapefruit and honeyed notes form the chorus line, later joined by stem ginger and rhubarb. The finish is long and graceful. Excellent.

Score: 95

Neal Martin, Vinous.com Maturity: 2020-2045 01 September 2020

The 2008 Vin de Constance is the latest release from the estate. We were happy with the 2008, Matthew told me. But it was tough to follow-up a great vintage. It spent a slightly shorter time in barrel and has 160g/L residual sugar with a pH of 3.6. It had the lowest volatile acidity in a Vin de Constance in a long time. To me the 2008 is more toward the older style of Vin de Constance. It already offers a very complex bouquet with fresh pineapple, quince, Japanese yuzu, just a hint of grass clippings and then later mille fieulle. It is obviously tightly wound at the moment, but extremely well focused. The palate is medium-bodied with a fine viscous entry that immediately comes across as very elegant and refined. It feel smooth and pure gentle in the mouth, caressing the senses with its quince and marmalade tinged finish with a suggestions of shaved ginger on the aftertaste. Returning after 40 minutes, the finish has mellowed and attained a beguiling effervescent quality, almost like an unctuous Lucozade! Wonderful.

Score: 95

Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com 01 October 2013

In October 2015, Vin de Constance 2008 was served by the Queen to the Chinese President Xi Qinping at a state banquet at Buckingham Palace, along with Haut Brion 1989 and Warre 1977.

Score: -

Albany Vintners, - 01 October 2015

Gorgeous apricot, warmed peach, dried mango and maple notes lead the way in this unctuous dessert wine, with crystalized ginger, green tea and dried blood orange flavors filling in through the finish. Has enough well-embedded acidity to carry it all easily, finishing with impressive range and cut. Drink now through 2030.

Score: 94

James Molesworth, Wine Spectator Maturity: 2014-2030 31 August 2014

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