 |
Clara Schnitzler export manager |
Small but interesting tasting at the LWF 2025 of a niche South African wine.
Klein Constantia is a 340-year-old winemaker, one of the oldest in South Africa, planted its first vines in 1685 close to ocean. In part for this reason, Muscat first worked well.
In the old days it was a favorite of royals in Europe as well as by the rich in the USA, though it later became more affordable and widespread and thus available to a wider clientele. Jane Austen said it helped heal broken hearts!
Only 11 producers in Constantia valley, smallest region in South Africa.
Below my tasting notes:
2023 estate
100% sauvignon blanc
Fresh salinity, crisp finish yet balanced, mod complex
Score 88
2019 Clara sauvignon blanc
After c Eliza hussey, American steel heiress who helped develop KC in 1920s
More floral, more texture, earthy notes
Score 86
Estate red 2020
58%cab sauv
Blend p verdot, malbec, syrah
Smooth, elegant Perfect balance, mod long, ready
Score 90
2020 Anwilka
In Stellenbosch
60% cab sauvignon
40% syrah
A bit rough attack, intense red fruits and notes of leather
Wait 5 years
Score 88
Vin de Constance 2021
100% muscat de Frontignan
Late harvest, pick highly concentrated grapes, no botrytis
Aged 18 months in mixed old and new French oak
Marmalade and lichee, moderately long.
Score 89
