eRobertParker.com
August 2011 | Neal Martin |
95 Points |
Drink 2011 - 2050 | $50
Klein Constantia's most famous wine, the 2006 Vin
de Constance underwent several tries during picking
in order to eliminate green fruit, and the 2006 includes
10% raisined berries, some as Aszu and 80% whole bunches.
It has a heavenly bouquet with apricot blossom, honeysuckle,
elderflower and pear drop that is mesmerizing. The
palate is vibrant and animated with notes of raisin,
fresh fig and Seville orange marmalade. It has a life-enhancing
silver thread of acidity and a long waxy, honeyed
finish that lacquers the mouth but is imbued with
great freshness and vitality. It is easy to see why
this elixir was so coveted 200 years ago.
One of South Africa's most iconic wineries, in
the 18th century the sweet wines of Constantia were
esteemed in the same way as China covets Lafite-Rothschild.
For decades the wines were forgotten, but are now
once again, highly coveted. The good news is that
a recent bottling does not cost the thousands of
dollars of an 18th century bottle. Just days after
I visited, the Jooste family sold their shares to
Zdenek Bakala and Charles Harman, from the US and
UK respectively and I tasted the wines with Adam
Mason, who will continue his role as winemaker.
Wine Enthusiast November 2011- 93 points
Butterscotch, honeyed almonds and candied ginger-orange
peel lead the way on the nose of this late harvest
Muscat. Rich, overripe mango and honeydew add levity
to the palate, lifting the heady spice and viscous,
syrupy flavors. The long finish carries a tinge
of pithiness, adding some tongue-smacking texture
to the close. Has aging potential, though it's certainly
also enjoyable now. Cape Classics. -L.B.
- Top Natural Sweet Wine at Terrior awards in 2010
- 5 stars in the John Platter 2011 Wine Guide
