Sweets, Fortifieds & Whisky

Live Virtual Auction, 11 July 2021

Please note that sales of all lots are subject to our amended General Conditions of Business and will not be available for collection until after the Lockdown Regulations allow the transport and sale of alcohol. Sales, transfer of ownership and collection of all wine lots will be deferred until the sale of alcohol is allowed. Please refer to clause 6.7 of the General Conditions of Business in this regard.

Session 1

Sold for

ZAR 21 105
Lot 65
  • Klein Constantia; Vin de Constance; 1988; 1 (1 x 1); 500ml
  • Klein Constantia; Vin de Constance; 1988; 1 (1 x 1); 500ml


Lot Estimate
ZAR 15 000 - 20 000
Selling Price
Incl. Buyer's Premium & VAT
ZAR 21 105

About this Item

Vin de Constance, 1988
1 (1 x 1) 500ml

Described as one of the world’s most beautiful vineyards, the 146 hectares of Klein Constantia originally formed part of "Constantia", a vast property established in 1685 by Simon van der Stel, the first governor of the Cape. This particular valley was chosen not only for its beauty, but also for the decomposed granite soils on its slopes, gently cooled by ocean breezes. The property behind the iconic Vin de Constance has pedigree and provenance that stretches widely beyond sweet wine.

The re-creation of the legendary Constantia wine made in the 18th and 19th centuries, sought after by Napoleon, the aristocracy of Europe, King George IV and King Louis Philippe and praised by Charles Dickens, Jane Austen and Baudelaire!The property was restored in 1983, with the 1988 vintage being the third to be bottled under the resurrected ‘Vin de Constance’ name. This was produced by legend winemaker Ross Gower and today it’s a rare and fully mature VDC.

Topped up (with the same vintage) and re-corked, sealed and documented at the source for the purpose of this auction, in partnership with Amorim & Klein Constantia.

Critics Ratings

Brooding, dark, smoky notes. This is evolved, but stable. Much drier than the 1987, the ’88 is better suited as an aperitif than dessert wine. A firm acid backbone and saline centre holds intact. Good condition.’ – Higgo Jacobs 2020, 92/100

Hugely complex on nose with Muscat fragrance, spice, white mushroom and some nuttiness, while the palate showed great focus and freshness. In terms of flavour, an almost peppery intensity before a long, saline finish.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za 18/20 (2011)

The 1988 Vin de Constance has a deep nutty color. The nose is fully mature but beautifully defined with lifted Muscat notes augmented by hazelnut, marmalade and a touch of mint. The palate is medium-bodied with a bright, citric entry with hints of rosewater, quince, orange zest and dried apricot. It is very focused and full of tension on the finish although to be honest, I cannot envisage it improving further and I would gladly drink any bottles I had sooner rather than later.’ – Neal Martin, Wine Advocate 88/100 (2013)

Provenance

Private Client

View all Klein Constantia lots for sale in this auction


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