Critics Ratings

‘Arguably the Cape’s most famous wine, crafted to emulate the great Constantia sweet desserts of the 18th century. 2014 from raisined muscat de Frontignan, as always, impossibly complex & detailed, with seductive perfume, opulent fruit & finely modulated acidity. Intricate vinification, 3 years 500L barrels of various wood types. 500 ml, magnums too.’ - Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2019, 5* (95/100)

‘Deep gold. Cooked tangerine, apricot, vanilla and clove, with delightful aromatic intensity. Integrated and whole. Rich and sweet, with cleansing acidity that cuts through the dried apricot, cinnamon and cream palate. Really long.’ – Tim Jackson MW, JancisRobinson.com, 17.5/20 (Dec 2019)

‘Creamed persimmon, yellow apple, quince and mirabelle plum notes weave together seamlessly in this version, gilded with heather, honey and green tea accents. This is rich, but the brightness and a lovely bitter orange flash add detail on the finish. Muscat de Frontignan. Drink now through 2030.’ – James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, 94/100 (Dec 2018)

The 2014 displays a wonderfully aromatic nose of white blossom, honeysuckle, quince confit and freshly baked brioche smothered in honey and yellow grapefruit marmalade. The 2014 is wonderfully approachable showing a finely poised balance of creamy yellow orchard fruits and superbly elegant integrated acids. The finish is focused and pure, concentrated and beautifully textural, finishing with a delicious melange of orange peel, ginger pastille sweets and caramelised apples dusted with vanilla pod spice. This is a really distinguished expression that shows the winemaker’s growing confidence to be able to deliver an iconic expression of Vin de Constance year after year. Drink from 2019 to 2045+’ – Greg Sherwood MW, 97/100 (Aug 2018)

‘From Muscat de Frontignan as ever, the 2014 is again immaculately judged – harvested in batches, the wine was matured for 36 months in a combination of French and Hungarian oak plus French Acacia. The nose is exceptionally aromatic with notes of flowers and fynbos before citrus, stone fruit, burnt sugar and spice. The palate is not too rich but nevertheless has a lovely presence about it, while the finish is long and savoury. Complex and balanced, this is truly world-class.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 97/100 (Aug 2018)

‘This is not the densest or most exotic of recent Vin de Constance releases, but what it lacks in power it more than makes up for with elegance. More Barsac than Sauternes-like perhaps? Quince, pastry and orange zest notes, with lovely tarte tatin acidity, subtle vanilla spice and a long, nuanced finish. 2019-35’ - Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2017, 96/100

Provenance

Wine Cellar Private Client