A lovely dessert wine, perhaps the pinnacle in South Africa. Concentrated and quite intense with full-bodied flavors of orange rind, clementine and dried apricot fruit spiced with notes of crushed yellow florals, roasted nut skin, toasted egg bread and pure honeycomb. Balanced acidity prevents the mouth from being too thick or viscous, while the endless finish…
— L.B.
(11/1/2011)
Butterscotch, honeyed almonds and candied ginger-orange peel lead the way on the nose of this late harvest Muscat. Rich, overripe mango and honeydew add levity to the palate, lifting the heady spice and viscous, syrupy flavors. The long finish carries a tinge of pithiness, adding some tongue-smacking texture to the close. Has aging potential, though it’s certainly…
— L.B.
(11/1/2011)
Beloved by everyone from Dickens to Napolean, this exquisite dessert wine, which was produced in the 18th and 19th centuries in Constantia and is now being revived at Klein Constantia, is a wonderful treat. It’s made from ripe Muscat de Frontignan, a naturally sweet grape with charm and complexity. Layers of honey, orange and spice coat the tongue in a sumptuous…
— S.K.
(7/1/2007)
From one of the Cape’s coolest wine regions, this Marlbrook, grown in Constantia, has great structure and dry tannins that reveal cassis fruit underneath. It is very dry at present, a sign of aging potential, but also means it will be a great accompaniment to rich meat dishes. Not imported.
— R.V.
(11/1/2006)
Beautiful mango, orange peel and lemon aromas are followed by unctuous waves of vanilla, burnt orange and apricot in this historic dessert wine. A bright acidity balances the rich, honeyed character. The finish is honeyed and elegant.
— S.K.
(6/1/2009)
From the historic Constantia Valley comes this beautiful blend of Sémillon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscat. Broad aromas of peachy tropical fruit are brushed with grass and toast notes that add complexity, leading to a round, medium-bodied wine that is sculpted with a dry, grassy feel. Tropical fruit and green-bean flavors play cat and mouse, finishing with…
— M.D.
(11/1/2006)
A beautiful nose of flowers and tropical fruit is paired with an interplay of bright acidity and gooseberry/grapefruit flavors. Restrained and subtle with a steely minerality that keeps it clean, the wine is delicate but full of character.
— S.K.
(7/1/2007)
The thin aromas of leather, old book paper and horsiness carry to the palate with notes of meat juices and stewy red fruit. This wine is a hint watery, finishes with some eucalyptus and there is enough structure to drink now.
— K.F.
(8/1/2003)