Modern, Post-War and Contemporary Art and South African Fine Wine
Live Virtual Auction, 26 - 28 July 2020
Wine
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
‘Consistently one of the best sweet wines in the world, this tea-leafy, honeyed, orange peel-scented Muscat is rich and sweet, with 152 grams of sugar, some skin tannins, nutmeg and ginger spice and a weighty, dense texture. Long, complex and assured. Drink: 2015-25.’ – Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2015, 96/100
‘The nose is pretty and entirely captivating – citrus, lilac, herbs, spice, even a little mint. The palate, meanwhile, shows pure fruit and zippy acidity – it’s an extraordinarily vivid glass of wine – the finish suitably long without being astringent. Really classy.’- Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 96/100 (2015)
‘Iconic, ageworthy dessert from unbotrytised muscat de Frontignan aged in French & Hungarian oak (some new). 2011 generous & satisfying with silky texture, sweetness lifted by racy acidity. 3 years oaked vs 4 for also-tasted 2009, with similar candied orange, fynbos fragrance, vanilla fudge & glazed pineapple flavours. No 2010. Last tasted by us was 2008 (4.5 stars, 92 pts).’ - Platter’s SA Wine Guide, 5* (2016)
Provenance
Private Client
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