Sweets & Fortifieds and Additional Finds
Timed Online Auction, 28 May - 10 June 2024
Sweets
Incl. Buyer's Premium & VAT
About this Item
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!
Notes
Please take note of the condition of the 2001 label on the image - slightly damaged.
Provenance
Private Client
Critics Ratings
2000
'Offers a lovely amber color, with blood orange, bitter almond, clove, green tea and dried persimmon notes backed by a noticeably spicy Muscat hint on the finish. More rustic and broader than the other vintages, and not quite as deep or long.' - James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, 90/100 (2010)
Continually reclaiming the international renown its ancestor enjoyed 2 centuries back; from usually unbotrytised but superbly ripe Muscat de Frontignan 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 years 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)
2001
Reaching (in patented 500ml old-style bottles) for the international renown its ancestor enjoyed two centuries back; from usually unbotrytised but ripe Muscat de Frontignan, generally giving a long-lived, silky wine with fine mineral acidity. ‘01 is more obviously Muscat, with floral/grapey/raisiny character; full-flavoured and sumptuous - gentler acid means effectively sweeter balance than many previous, involving 135g/l sugar, big 14.8% alcohol. Should acquire more complexity with time. These up to 4 years in used 500l French oak barrels.’- Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2007, 4.5*
'Sweet and rich, but also super racy, with fresh-cut tangerine, orange and nectarine flavors, backed by bright acidity and a long, lingering finish of spice, orange zest and heather honey. Hard to resist now, but should age wonderfully. Muscat de Frontignan.' - James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, 92/100 (2007)
2002
‘Luscious unfortified dessert with international reputation spanning 2 centuries, typically from un-botrytised yet lusciously ripe Muscat de Frontignan. The 2002 is more slender than previous (13% alc vs 14.8%) but follows generous sun-blessed style, with tightrope balance. Marmalade, Asian spice hints, unctuous but uncloying.’ - Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2008, 4.5*
‘Marmalade, some green hints, menthol, pineapple cubes, a haunting floral bouquet. Nutty flavours emerging, with lavender, peach, honeycomb, lengthy and superbly even-handed mix of body, acidity and flavour.’ - Richard Hemming MW, JancisRobinson.com, 17.5/20 (Feb 2009)