“I also rated a barrel sample of what may be South Africa’s most famous wine: Klein Constantia Vin de Constance Natural Sweet Wine 2018. It could be the greatest Vin de Constance I have ever tasted in my career, with its unique balance of sweetness and savoriness & an almost salty undertone.” – James Suckling.
A barrel sample of Klein Constantia’s Vin de Constance 2018 has been awarded an unprecedented rating of 98-99 points by James Suckling, internationally regarded as one of the world’s most influential wine critics. The eponymous editor-in-chief of JamesSuckling.com described Klein Constantia’s iconic natural sweet as a ‘unique wine worldwide’ and the 2018 vintage as ‘sublime’. His tasting notes for the wine read as follows:
‘Very perfumed aromas of lemon zest, ginger and lychee. Some apricots as well. Full-bodied with brightness, freshness and phenolic tension. It’s sweet, but not overly sweet. Salty and umami notes with some salted caramel.’
According to Suckling, a wine rated 90 points or more is ‘outstanding’ while a wine rated 95 points or more is a ‘must buy’. Wines rated from barrel, or unfinished wines, are rated with two point ranges such as 91-92 or 92-93 (98-99 in the case of the Vin de Constance 2018).
‘Very perfumed aromas of lemon zest, ginger and lychee. Some apricots as well. Full-bodied with brightness, freshness and phenolic tension. It’s sweet, but not overly sweet. Salty and umami notes with some salted caramel.’
According to Suckling, a wine rated 90 points or more is ‘outstanding’ while a wine rated 95 points or more is a ‘must buy’. Wines rated from barrel, or unfinished wines, are rated with two point ranges such as 91-92 or 92-93 (98-99 in the case of the Vin de Constance 2018).
Vin de Constance 2018 is due to be released in September 2021. Keep an eye on our social media for more details.