Cape Heritage, Sweets, Fortifieds and Spirits
Timed Online Auction, 7 - 14 August 2023
Cape Heritage
Incl. Buyer's Premium & VAT
About this Item
Described as one of the world’s most beautiful vineyards, the 146 hectares of Klein Constantia originally formed part of "Constantia", a vast property established in 1685 by Simon van der Stel, the first governor of the Cape. This particular valley was chosen not only for its beauty, but also for the decomposed granite soils on its slopes, gently cooled by ocean breezes. The property behind the iconic Vin de Constance has pedigree and provenance that stretches widely beyond sweet wine.
The re-creation of the legendary Constantia wine made in the 18th and 19th centuries, sought after by Napoleon, the aristocracy of Europe, King George IV and King Louis Philippe and praised by Charles Dickens, Jane Austen and Baudelaire!
Klein Constantia and the 2000 vintage have a history of awards, including; a Platter’s 5 star, featuring in the French book ‘100 Legendary Wines’ and designated one of 25 Great Vineyards of the world by the American Wine & Spirits Journal.
Provenance
Private Client
Critics Ratings
'Continually reclaiming the international renown its ancestor enjoyed 2 centuries back; from usually unbotrytised but superbly ripe muscat de F giving a long-lived, silkily textured wine with fine mineral acidity. Riveting old-gold-coloured 00 somewhat drier (141g/L), full, gorgeously complex panoply of a aromas/flavours (from muscatty grape to citrus, dried peach to marmalade), refined silky richness, balanced acidity. There some 2 yrs in used 500L French oak barrels, after ferment/time in tank. In specially made 500ml hand-blown-style-bottles.’ – Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2006, 5*
‘Runny caramel on the nose, and a lovely amber hue in the glass. Roasted nuts, musk, very lengthy black-treacle finish and orange and quince fruit – the fruit is definitely past its first flush, though the wine is still very much alive.’ – Richard Hemming MW, JancisRobinson.com, 17/20 (2009)
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