Single-Owner Private Collection of Fine Wines from South Africa, Bordeaux, Rhône Valley, Italy, Spain and more….
Timed Online Auction, 27 June - 15 July 2024
South Africa - Whites
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! The property was restored in 1983 and 2007 was produced under young winemakers Adam Mason and Matthew Day, aged just 27 at the time. It was a truly stellar vintage for Vin de Constance and renowned critic Neal Martin proclaimed it to be the finest vintage to date!
Provenance
Private Client
Critics Ratings
'Although released by the new management team, the final blend was put together by the previous owner. This rich, nutty, unctuous sweet wine has less pronounced floral notes with more umami and mushroom character. It feels like a Vin de Constance from a different era. 2007 was an excellent year...' - Andy Howard MW, Decanter.com 96/100 (2020)
'A well-balanced, powerful dessert wine, this opens with an intense bouquet of fresh peach, orange blossom, jasmine, gardenia and honeysuckle. The mouthfilling, sweet palate is loaded with flavors of ripe stone fruit, mango, melon and orange marmelade, but is kept bright by refreshing acidity on the close. Secondary notes of ginger and white tea linger long on the evolving finish. A wine of class and strength, this is delicious now, but should also easily age through 2020.' - Lauren Buzzeo, Wine Enthusiast, 95/100 (Jan 2014)
'100% Muscat de Frontignan. Winemaker: Adam Mason/Matthew Day, age 27. Lovely golden apricot colour. Spicy reduced apricots and grapey too. Fabulously rich and intense and long. Complex already but will clearly become more so.' - Julia Harding MW, JancisRobinson.com, 18/20 (Mar 2013)
‘It has an explosive bouquet that sprints out of the blocks with a more effervescent, vivacious personality than the 2008. Citrus lemon, Seville orange marmalade, touches of mandarin and a dash of spice all vie for attention … This is probably the finest Vin de Constance to date as it fans out marvellously on the multi-layered finish. This is a startling, world-class wine that gives Yquem a run for its money.’ - Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, 97/100 (2011)
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