Klein Constantia Vin de Constance 2008 Bottle size: 500ml

'The 2008 Vin de Constance is the latest release from the estate. “We were happy with the 2008,” Matthew told me. “But it was tough to follow-up a great vintage. It spent a slightly shorter time in barrel and has 160g/L residual sugar with a pH of 3.6. It had the lowest volatile acidity in a Vin de Constance in a long time. To me the 2008 is more toward the older style of Vin de Constance.” It already offers a very complex bouquet with fresh pineapple, quince, Japanese yuzu, just a hint of grass clippings and then later mille fieulle. It is obviously tightly wound at the moment, but extremely well focused. The palate is medium-bodied with a fine viscous entry that immediately comes across as very elegant and refined. It feel smooth and pure – gentle in the mouth, caressing the senses with its quince and marmalade tinged finish with a suggestions of shaved ginger on the aftertaste. Returning after 40 minutes, the finish has mellowed and attained a beguiling effervescent quality, almost like an unctuous Lucozade! Wonderful.' - Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, 95/100

'Deep amber. Tea, dried apricot and raisin, with clove, orange rind and dusty mineral notes. Fresh and bright, with acidity ahead of sweetness, carrying dried orange peel, tea and caramel. Long, long finish. At its peak.' (Tasted in 2019) - Tim Jackson MW, jancisrobinson.com, 17/20

'Gorgeous apricot, warmed peach, dried mango and maple notes lead the way in this unctuous dessert wine, with crystalized ginger, green tea and dried blood orange flavors filling in through the finish. Has enough well-embedded acidity to carry it all easily, finishing with impressive range and cut.' - James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, 94/100