2011 Vin de Constance
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Tasting notes
The 2011 Vin de Constance, which delivers 152g/L residual sugar, has a very perfumed nose of beeswax, honeysuckle, saffron and marmalade, well defined if not as winsome as the 2012. The palate is satisfyingly viscous on the entry, offering orange pith and apricot, and culminating in a Barsac-inspired finish (a trait that I have observed with previous bottles). Bottle from my personal cellar.
Critic scores
Average Score
Neal Martin
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
The 2011 Vin de Constance Natural Sweet Wine spent 36 months in 60% new French and Hungarian oak. It delivers 152 grams per liter residual sugar with a pH of 3.6. Here it is very perfumed with a dried honey, lanolin, marmalade and melted wax-scented bouquet that is nicely defined. The palate is viscous on the entry with fine acidity, quite sensual in the mouth with orange zest and marmalade notes, almost Barsac-like towards the finish that lingers long in the mouth. Gorgeous (as per usual).
(Muscat de Frontignan; aged for 3-1/2 years in 50% new 500-liter barrels; 152 g/l r.s. with 7.2 g/l acidity): Deep gold. Pungent piney botrytis suggestions to the slightly medicinal aromas of orange marmalade, dried apricot and spearmint. Very sweet but not especially glyceral, conveying a captivating savory quality to the flavors of orange liqueur, mint and spices. Almost bitter-edged at this early stage. Most impressive today on the very long, tannic, honeyed finish.
Muscat de Frontignan. Matt Day is the winemaker. Main aim is to improve freshness and aromatics. Picked in 25 different batches. Bright orange. Muscat nose and a little syrupy but loads of pleasure. Hint of orange skin. (JR)
About the producer
Based in Constantia, a short drive from the suburbs of Cape Town, Klein Constantia produces some of South Africa’s finest wines, including its iconic sweet wine, Vin de Constance.