2016 Vin de Constance
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Tasting notes
The 2016 Vin de Constance is conspicuously less amber in hue than the '12. It has an exquisite nose with pure honey, quince and marmalade scents that soar from the glass. The palate is very smooth and harmonious, more unctuous than the '12, with a killer line of acidity and a sense of mineralité tucked under that carapace of sweet Muscat. No wonder Matt Day regards this as one of his finest achievements.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Tim Jackson MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
Fresh, ripe and floral with a lively, elegant nose, the 2016 Vin de Constance Natural Sweet Wine is fresh and expressive, governing with a pure heart and is a masterclass in capturing freshness with aromas of golden raisin, white peach skin and apple purée. The palate displays fantastic weight and focus, making me crave pâté and cheeses as it glides to an elegant, regal finish that begs me back for more!
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.
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. (TJ)
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.