Cape Heritage, Sweets, Fortifieds and Spirits
Timed Online Auction, 7 - 14 August 2023
Cape Heritage
Incl. Buyer's Premium & VAT
About this Item
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!
Critics Ratings
‘Sweet and rich, but also superracy, with fresh-cut tangerine, orange and nectarine flavors, backed by bright acidity and a long, lingering finish of spice, orange zest and heather honey. Hard to resist now, but should age wonderfully. Muscat de Frontignan.’ - James Molesworth, Winespectator.com, 92/100 (2007)
‘Reaching (in patented 500ml old-style bottles) for the international renown its ancestor enjoyed two centuries back; from usually unbotrytised but ripe Muscat de Frontignan, generally giving a long-lived, silky wine with fine mineral acidity. ‘01 is more obviously Muscat, with floral/grapey/ raisiny character; full-flavoured and sumptuous - gentler acid means effectively sweeter balance than many previous, involving 135g/l sugar, big 14.8% alcohol. Should acquire more complexity with time. These up to 4 years in used 500l French oak barrels.’ - Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2007, 4.5*
Provenance
Private Client
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