2004 Vin de Constance
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Tasting notes
The 2004 Vin de Constance has a very aromatic bouquet with yellow plum, pressed flowers, a touch of kerosene and a background garrigue scent. The palate is medium-bodied with fine definition, quite spicy with a marmalade-driven finish. It doesn’t quite have the panache of the 1991, but I appreciate its length. A little outclassed in the company of other vintages on this occasion.
Critic scores
Average Score
Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
Neal Martin
More reviews and scores
(for 500 ml.; 130 g/l r.s. with 8.7 grams of acid; aged two years in old French 500-liter casks) Bright gold. Exotic, high-toned aromas of mango, apricot and pungent flowers, all lifted by spearmint and wild herbs. Densely packed but light on its feet, with highly complex flavors of white plum, peach and herbes de Provence Does not come off as fat owing to its energy and sappiness. A fascinating wine with a very long and subtle aftertaste. Made from shriveled but not botrytized grapes. Very expressive today but this should go on in bottle for many years.
RS 130g/l, pH 3.5, TA 8.7g/l . Lime and lemon cordial; floral, golden syrup. Acidity is bright and refreshing, and cuts the viscosity with razor-sharp precision. Treacle and caramelised fruits on the palate. There is a metallic tingle on the finish. Good, but not as finely balanced as other vintages by comparison. (RH)
About the producer
Based in Constantia, a short drive from the suburbs of Cape Town, Klein Constantia produces some of South Africa’s finest wines, including its iconic sweet wine, Vin de Constance.