In Bond Fine Wine. 2012 Klein Constantia Vin de Constance, Constantia, Coastal Region, South Africa. White south africa-sweet white in 6x50cl. Top critic score: 97/100 (NM). Drinking window: 2016–2050. Sold in bond by Albany Vintners, independent fine wine merchants.
Founded in 1685 by Simon van der Stel, Klein Constantia is one of South Africa’s most historic and celebrated wine estates, set on the cool, ocean-influenced slopes of Constantia overlooking False Bay. At the heart of Klein Constantia’s fame is the legendary Vin de Constance, one of the world’s great sweet wines. Made from 100% Muscat de Frontignan, the grapes are harvested in multiple passes as they reach optimal ripeness and partial raisining on the vine, creating a wine of remarkable intensity, freshness and layered complexity. Historically known simply as “Constantia”, it was adored by European royal courts and was famously drunk by Napoleon during his exile on St Helena. Today it remains a benchmark for fine sweet wine, often compared with the great Yquem for its balance, purity and longevity. Klein Constantia also produce some outstanding cool-climate Sauvignon Blancs, crafted in…
Decanter (DEC) — 97/100 · -, 18/04/2016 · Drink 2016-2035
Stunningly intense aromatic nose of fresh stem ginger, tangerine and quince. Fabulously balanced sweetness and zingy natural acidity provide the perfect backdrop for a gorgeous flavour spectrum of Seville orange marmalade, honeysuckle and spicy ginger with complex tertiary notes on the effortlessly long finish. The whole ensemble provides enormous precision, purity and pleasure.
Neal Martin (NM) — 94/100 · Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com, 01/11/2015 · Drink 2017-2045
The 2012 Vin de Constance Natural Sweet Wine delivers 160 grams per liter of residual sugar with a pH of 3.7 and, spent 28 months in French and Hungarian oak barrels. There is actually great similarity on the nose, perhaps a little more floral than the 2011 with mirabelle,and a touch of petrol infusing the honey and marmalade aromas. The palate is unctuous on the entry, nicely balanced as the aci…
Tim Atkin MW (TA) — 97/100 · -, 01/11/2015
The 2012 Vin de Constance won't be released for another year, but put a note in your diary to buy some when it is. Sweeter and more alcoholic than the 2011, but somehow fresher and brighter, too, it's floral, pure and focused, with notes of orange zest, tarte tatin and well integrated oak. Shaping up to be the best Vin de Constance yet." South Africa Report 2015, Overall Sweet Wine of the Year