Recent Offers
2020 Vin de Constance, Klein Constantia
‘Bright medium-gold hue with a focused and intense nose layered with honeysuckle, apricot, citrus, honey and marmalade.'
James Suckling
Vin de Constance is a unique and delicious wine which can age for twenty years. We are delighted to offer you the magnificent 2020 vintage.
More famous in the 18th and 19th centuries than Yquem or Tokay, Vin de Constance was recreated by Klein Constantia in the 1980s. The secret to its success is the balance between sweetness and freshness which is down to the cool climate of South Africa’s Cape. Late harvested grapes raisin on the vines – botrytis rarely develops in Muscat de Frontignan due to very thick skins – and each batch is fermented separately which can take up to a year.
The 2020 vintage was exceptional. Breezy weather resulted in a smaller crop of concentrated berries. The result is a richly aromatic and beautifully balanced wine with hints of marmalade, quince and fresh ginger. On the palate tangy citrus fruits and delicate savoury spice notes lead to a mouthwatering, zesty finish; ‘effortless’ says James Suckling.
Absolutely delicious on its own and a wonderful accompaniment to desserts such as tarte tatin or strong cheeses, Vin de Constance is a luxury few can resist. Stock anticipated Spring 2024. Please contact us as soon as possible to secure a case from this limited en primeur release.
Purchase In Bond (ex duty & VAT)
2020 Vin de Constance, Klein Constantia
£282 per 6 (50cl) bottle case in bond
*Limited magnums on request*
‘Highly floral and concentrated nose full of marmalade, orange zest, toasted caramel patisserie, orange blossom, a Tutti Fruitti element and some soft oak touches too. Thick and viscous, comforting and deep with a weighty, sugary texture offset by serious spiced and toasted edges that give this angles and a taught frame. Serious, not so easy and generous, more dense and concentrated, this feels well built and purposeful. The sweetness (butterscotch, thick creamy lemon and apricot yoghurt and hints of honey) is countered by a delicious citrus zestiness and bitter orange touches. I adore the combination of flavours and this feels expertly made with precision, freshness and clarity. Lots to enjoy and think about here with a satisfying, long, mineral grip on the finish. From a challenging 2020 vintage with small, concentrated berries and a reduced crop. 174g/l residual sugar. 3.92pH. 6.3g/l total acidity. Ageing one and a half years in 50% new, 500l Hungarian and French oak barrels followed by the same time in large-format wooden foudre. Barrels are then selected with the best being chosen for the final blend. Winemaker Matthew Day.’ 96 -100 points, Georgina Hindle, Decanter
‘Bright medium-gold hue with a focused and intense nose layered with honeysuckle, apricot, citrus, honey and marmalade. A hint of mineral, too. Really pure and tangy with a luscious palate balanced by intense citrusy flavors and natural acidity that is beautifully chiselled to the palate. Long and effortless. Consistently great muscat here. Drinkable now if you love the vibrancy of it, but one could keep this for a decade or two.’ 96 -100 points, James Suckling
‘Rich rose gold in colour, just so much interest and depth on the aromatics. I always look forward to tasting this wine, and it never seems to disappoint. Dried apricot, caramel, patisserie, peach pit, sage, cardamon, sweet fleshy nectarine. This was a balanced vintage that was warm but not with the drought conditions of 2019, but it has plenty of sun-sweetened character, with lime zest twisting through the raising the tension and energy. Tasted twice. Matthew Day winemaker.‘ 95 -100 points, Jane Anson
Enquire About Availability
To enquire about purchasing, please fill in the Enquiry Form below, contact James Snoxell
([email protected]), or call our office at +44 (0) 20 7232 5450