Modern, Post-War and Contemporary Art and South African Fine Wine
Live Virtual Auction, 26 - 28 July 2020
Wine
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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 recommended by some of France’s most famous gourmands, Brillat-Savarin and Dumas. Renowned for decades of aging potential, the 1996 is a stellar vintage with critic Neal Martin awarding it 94 points.
Provenance
Private Client
Critics Ratings
‘This has the color of dark iced tea, with a burnished edge to the maple, clove, date, green tea and mulled spice notes all laced with tangy acidity and a long, incense-infused finish. Clearly maturing in its flavor profile, but still with plenty of zip.--Non-blind Vin de Constance vertical ... 1,036 cases made.’ – Wine Spectator 92/100 (2010)
‘The 1996 Vin de Constance is has a lucid amber hue. The nose is very engaging: marmalade, seaweed, quince, frangipane and a touch of chlorine – more like a mature Barsac than mature Sauternes. The palate is medium-bodied with a restrained viscous entry of mandarin, orange rind and quince. It is nicely focused and precise, even if it does not quite possess the delineation of the 2007 and 2008 on the finish. Very fine.’ – Neal Martin, Wine Advocate 94/100 (2014)
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