Klein Constantia Vin de Constance Constantia 2018

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Klein Constantia
Vin de Constance Constantia 2018

Vintage : 2018
Country : South Africa
Region : Constantia
Subregion
Type : Sweet
Style
Format : 50cl
Alcohol : 13,14°
Grappes : 100% Muscat

"From these Elysian fields used to come one of the very greatest wines in the world – the legendary Constantia, Constantia was bought by European courts in the 18th and 19th Centuries in preference to Yquem, Tokay, Madeira…" - Hugh Johnson

Experts		Score	Vintage
JS	James Suckling	99	2018
RP	Robert Parker	96	2018
DCT	Decanter	97	2016
TA	Tim Atkin	98	2015
WS	Wine Spectator	93	2015
WE	Wine Enthusiast	88	2014

More information on wine critics and ratings

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From the same producer

Wonderfully bright on both the nose and palate. Concentrated flavours of apricot and orange zest with aspects of frangipani flowers abound. Mouth filling yet clean and focussed, the wine tapers into a rich luscious finish.

The 2011 vintage marks the end of an era in Klein Constantia's history, however it also signifies an exciting start to a new journey for the estate. Our vision for this vintage was to balance the unique style of Vin de Constance with a rejuvenating freshness. This vintage was said to be a tough year due to a dry and hot harvest, yet this was favourable for the maturation of the Muscat de Frontignan grapes creating perfect raisining and concentration of fruit.

The verdant Constantia Valley is the oldest, most enduring vineyard area in the Cape. Dating back to 1685 Klein Constantia Estate in the heart of Constantia changed ownership in 2011 and is now the property of two families that have the very greatest interest in preserving and restoring the estate to the highest level. Situated on the eastern slopes of Constantiaberg the soils originate from 600 million year old granite. It is a complex and fascinating terroir. Under the expert management of… Read more

James Suckling (JS) : 99 Points (2018)

Very perfumed aromas of lemon zest, ginger and lychee. Some apricots as well. Full-bodied with brightness, freshness and phenolic tension. It’s sweet, but not overly sweet. Salty and umami notes with some salted caramel. Unique wine worldwide. (5/2021)

Robert Parker (RP) : 96 Points (2018)

While similar in color to the 2017, the 2018 Vin de Constance Natural Sweet Wine possesses a richer, rounder frame than the previous vintage. Devastatingly gorgeous on the nose, the wine exudes ripeness, precision and focus, somersaulting out of the glass with gorgeous aromas of apricot purée, white nectarine and yellow peach with heady floral aromas. Compact, medium to full-bodied and unctuous on the palate, the wine explodes, showcasing the greatness of Muscat. The wine continues to unfold in the mouth, expressing additional layers and complexity it sits on the palate. It's wonderfully textured, and I find myself almost chewing the wine, as there is so much going on with it. Drawing in air over the palate, I continue to slurp the wine and it continues to offer up more of its secrets and complexity. No spitting today. The wine glides to a persistent and world-class finish that has me smitten with this vintage. Do not pass up the opportunity to try this wine.

Decanter (DCT) : 97 Points (2016)

Classical Muscat which shines through with all the Constantia heritage. Super pure, sleek and precise. Honeysuckle aromas, crystallised orange zest, quince with a pronounced floral marigold. Cleansing acidity to lift the complex finish.

Tim Atkin (TA) : 98 Points (2015)

Even better than the 2014 release - and that was a spectacular sweet wine - the 2015 Vin de Constance is one of the greatest ever vintages of this iconic sticky. More Barsac than Sauternes in terms of weight, it’s fresh and refined, a bit like the 2012, with citrus and orange zest balancing the 172 grams of sugar. The oak is perfectly judged, the length and freshness things of wonder.

Wine Spectator (WS) : 93 Points (2015)

This sweetie features a gorgeous bouquet of orange blossom and juniper flavors, while the mouthfilling palate carries dried mango and candied apricot notes, accented by hints of quince paste, honeysuckle and sweetened green tea. Rich and intense, but with piercing acidity delivering balance. Long and complex. Drink now through 2030.

Wine Enthusiast (WE) : 88 Points (2014)

This opens with pure aromas of green plum, gooseberry and fresh herbs—the herbal notes so prominent, it's almost reminiscent of a men's fragrance. The lightweight palate is bright in acidity and crisp, tart lime-focused flavor. Drink now.