Vin de Constance scores 94 points in Wine Spectator

Published: 05 Mar 2009

The March 2009 edition of the US Wine Spectator has awarded the 2004 vintage of Klein Constantia’s Vin de Constance 94 points - the publication’s 2nd highest rating for a Cape wine.

Favourable weather conditions in 2004 aided winemaker Adam Mason’s first vintage at Klein Constantia. Selected shrivelled muscat de Frontignan grapes were harvested, and pressed to yield their golden juice, which was fermented in a combination of stainless steel tanks and 500-litre oak barrels, before maturing for just under 4 years, prior to bottling.

Although broachable when released, the high residual sugar of this dessert wine allows it to be cellared for at least 20 years from the date of bottling.

The 2009 edition of the Platter wine guide awards the 2004 Vin de Constance 4½ stars. It has also obtained 93 points in the January 2009 US Wine & Spirits.

According to Andrew Hawes, MD of UK agents Mentzendorff, the significant presence of Vin de Constance in top UK establishments rivals that of the world’s greatest dessert wines. He adds, “It has achieved the impossible and become an honorary French wine to the French, whilst still retaining its unique New World status in international restaurants.”

The wines are bottled in asymmetrical 500ml bottles, which are a reproduction of the hand-blown originals. Each is presented in a box, with a brochure containing the history of Constantia wine. Vin de Constance 2004 is available from the cellar at R330 a bottle.