Vin de Constance 2016

Provenance

Single-Owner Private Collection

Critics Ratings

"Increasingly celebrated as one of the great sweet wines of the world, not just the Cape, Vin de Constance is a delight to taste and review. Slightly drier than the 2015 release at 165 grams of sugar, it has more in common with the Loire or Tokaji than it does with Sauternes in terms of freshness and structure. Fresh, balanced and floral, with incredible delicacy, racy acidity, fine oak and flavours of pear tart, crystallised lemons and orange zest." - Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2019, 98/100 (Sep 2019)

"The Klein Constantia 2016 Vin de Constance is showing beautifully at this moment. Made during a string of devastating drought years, it reveals orange rind, spicy saffron, pickled ginger and a subtle saline lift, while the palate is glossy yet impressively weightless. The estate's goal of crafting a "dry" sweet wine is evident in the poised balance between sucrosity and freshness, giving the wine a silky, beautifully composed feel. This is a truly memorable experience." - Monica Larner, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 98/100 (Feb 2026)

"The 2016 Vin de Constance contains 165g/L of residual sugar. This has a wonderful bouquet with layers of wild honey and acacia, little-changed since I last encountered it a couple of years back. The palate is concentrated, multi-faceted yet primal at the moment. I suspect this vintage is maturing at a glacial pace, but I cannot wait to taste this at 12-15 years of age. Outstanding." - Neal Martin, Vinous, 97/100 (Jul 2022)

"Mid-deep gold. Luscious nose of dried apricots, marmalade and cinnamon, in a rich, bold style. The palate offers more elegance, with floral notes, and a core of acidity that freshens and elevates it. Long, with a touch of citrus-rind bitterness at the finish. A comparatively "big", bumptious, forward Vin de Constance." - Tim Jackson MW, JancisRobinson.com, 17/20 (Jan 2022)