South African & International Fine Wine
Live Auction, 14 September 2019
Session Two
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.
Klein Constantia and the 1999 vintage have a history of awards, including; 92 points from Wine Spectator, featuring in the World of Fine Wine in 2004 and trophy at the Classic Wine Trophy Show in 2004.
Critics Ratings
‘Confirming anew the international status its ancestor enjoyed 2 centuries back, & fortunately soon in greater quantities as new plantings of Muscat de F come into production. Frequent (5*) over the yrs. Usually no botrytis, just healthy ripeness taken to a superb extreme, to give a silkily textured wine, with fine mineral acidity. Raisiny luxuriance of 99 also evokes dried apricot, marmalade, shot through with thrilling acid; fine lingering farewell. 14.5%; 183g/L sugar.’ – Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2005, 4.5*
Vanilla pod, mixed peel, spiced oranges, cloves, raisins, thick and gloopy but with a whistlingly fresh finish from the acidity that keeps magnificent balance. The orange character is really pure on the palate, like tangerine slices – tangy and freshly-peeled.’ – Richard Hemming MW, JancisRobinson.com 17.5/20 (2009)
Provenance
Wine Cellar
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