2019 - Vin De Constance, Klein Constantia, Constantia

Vin de Constance takes the category of sweet wines to a new level, and this is another stunning success from them. Expect succulent pear, quince, apple, peach pit, tarte tatin, wonderfully seductive and opulent but never taking a single step over the line. Second year on the Place for this iconic wine. Winemaker Matthew Day.

The 2019 Vin de Constance is matured for 18 months in 500-liter Hungarian and French oak barrels, 50% new, followed by another 18 months in oak foudres. The growing season saw more sunlight hours than previous vintages (2,998 compared to 2,588 in 2018 for example). It has an understated nose, almost Sauternes-like even if it does not contain an ounce of botrytis. Subtle nutty aromas percolate through the wild honey and quince scents, wax resin and lanolin. The palate is medium-bodied and very pure. Disarmingly fine acidity, it is slightly Germanic towards the finish. with a hint of lemongrass lingering on the aftertaste. This is a superb Vin de Constance under the tenure of Matt Day that is a step closer to what you might confusingly call a non-sweet dessert wine.

Floral, focused and sweet, the 2019 Vin de Constance Natural Sweet Wine bursts out of the glass with layers of picturesque sweet citrus and stone fruit purée. The palate possesses a brilliant balance between succulent, sweet fruit flavors and layers of complexity that sway with focus and finesse, power and prestige. Gobs of sweet citrus and white peach are on display with attractive, healthy fruit, showing an impeccable balance between residual sugar and energetic acidity. This beauty will last for decades and has me dreaming of aged soft blue cheeses.

The 2019 Vin De Constance is made from 100% Muscat de Frontignan. Pale gold color, it is SO fragrant, with floral notes of roses and lavender over a core of lychees, mango, and guava notes plus suggestions of musk melon and spice cake. SO pure, on the palate, it is superbly rich and sweet with a fantastic backbone of acidity, oily, long, pure and intense. This is like liquid Turkish delight!

Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains. The harvest can often take up to three months, but in this cooler vintage, harvest began in late February and ended in late March, with a total of 26 passes having been made through the vineyard. The first passes pick ripe, higher-acidity fruit, the final passes select raisins. Each pick is vinified separately, and blended towards the end of the fermentation. Aged for 18 months in 50% new French oak, and then for another 18 months in old foudres before bottling. Bottled primarily in 500-ml bottles. RS 166 g/l. Light yellow-gold. Smells of honey and sage with crushed stones and nuts. Moderately sweet flavours of honey, orange blossom and other white flowers have a lifted, cloud-like quality and a freshness thanks to fantastic acidity. A phenomenally long finish of flowers and honey turns slightly saline in the end. A tour de force of flavour multiplied by elegance. Effortless. (AY)