2014 Vin de Constance
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Tasting notes
Beginning with a golden core, the 2014 Vin de Constance Natural Sweet Wine, along with the 2012 vintage, was made in the old cellar. Opening to delightful florals and sweet, spiced pomaceous fruit compote, the wine delivers a rich, round, complex nose with succulent floral elements. The palate displays exotic spices, with a brilliantly balanced structure, mouthwatering acidity and succulent fruit sweetness. Currently starting to show a touch of maturity as the floral expression begins to wilt slightly, this beauty should deliver a food-friendly expression for years to come.
Critic scores
Average Score
Tim Jackson MW, jancisrobinson.com
Neal Martin
More reviews and scores
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. (TJ)
We finish with the 2014 Vin de Constance from Klein Constantia, which shows identically to the bottle tasted in the Cape earlier this year. The bouquet bursts from the glass with marmalade, honeysuckle, orange rind and tropical fruit, all beautifully defined, if perhaps just a little waxier than I recall. The lively, viscous palate presents layers of fresh apricot, honey and orange zest, leading to a precise, vibrant finish. I love the chutzpah of this Vin de Constance, and though it will age, I do not begrudge anyone drinking it now.
The 2014 Vin de Constance was assembled from 15 lots and matured in 33% new French oak, 5% Hungarian oak and 2% acacia for three years, the first vintage to use the new fermentation tanks in the renovated winery. It has 172gm/L residual sugar and a very attractive bouquet (as always) of honeysuckle, orange pith, marmalade and pineapple. The palate is vivacious on the entry, offering orange zest, mandarin, apricot and light spicy notes. This feels very harmonious and precise, and there is almost a fieriness toward the finish. Another in a succession of fabulous Vin de Constance wines under wünderkind Matt Day.
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.