The
wines of Klein
Constantia,
Constantia, South Africa
PO
Box 375 Constantia, 7848, South Africa
Tel: +27 21 794 5188 Fax: +27 21 794 2464
E-mail: kleincon@global.co.za
Website: www.kleinconstantia.com
(Editor's
note: See a more recent review based on a visit
in November 2009)
Some
history. Constantia, just on the edge of the Cape Town suburbs,
was South Africa's first wine region, and began making wine as
early as the 17th century. Then, in the early 18th century the
Constantia estate was split into three: Klein Constantia, Groot
Constantia and Buitenverwatching. Confusingly, the current Klein
Constantia estate is different from this original estate, which
itself had its name changed to Hoop-Op Constantia. Today's Klein
Constantia was partitioned off from the Groot Constantia Estate in
1823 and sold as a separate entity. Yet while Groot Constantia
carried on making wines that enjoyed an international reputation
Klein Constantia went downhill in wine terms. Indeed, the
vineyards were in a state of decline by the time the present
owners acquired the property in 1980. At this stage just 30 out of
146 hectares were under vine; a replanting programme has since
increased this to 75 ha.
When
I visited, in mid February, they were harvesting the Chardonnay.
Reception was very friendly and easy-going. It’s an idyllic
location that I doubt is bettered very often by Cape wineries. The
success of the Chardonnay meant it was sold out, but I managed to
track a bottle of the 2001 down in a local restaurant. The whites
are very good here, and the reds slightly mixed.
Klein Constantia Chardonnay 2001
Intense nose of powerful tropical fruit with some toasty,
slightly smoky oak. The palate is ripe and rich, with tropical
fruit and some spicy oak. Finishes smooth and well balanced, with
a citrussy tang. Quite a big wine. Very good/excellent (sold out
at cellar door – my note is from a bottle tasted at the
Steenberg restaurant)
Klein Constantia Sauvignon Blanc 2002
Slightly herbaceous edge to the nose, which is crisp and
expressive. The palate is crisp and full with a distinct herby
edge. Not as compelling as other vintages of this wine that I have
tried. Very good (R43)
Klein
Constantia Riesling 2000
Quite a strong spicy nose. The palate is concentrated and rich
with a spicy lemon and marmalade character. Some botrytis here? A
bit of residual sugar, too. Very good (R31)
Klein Constantia Pinot Noir 2001
Pale colour. Lovely herby edge to the nose with some sweetness
to it. The palate is midweight and expressive with a sweet, spicy
herbiness. Very good+ (R80)
Klein Constantia Shiraz 2000
Blockbuster minty, liquoricey nose is ripe and rich. Very
minty. The palate has a distinctly odd minty, herbal edge to it.
It’s made in a slightly bizarre, almost medicinal style.
Good/very good (R78)
Klein Constantia Cabernet Sauvignon 1999
Minerally nose displays lush, minty blackcurrant fruit. Nice
weight on the palate with a spicy edge and refined black fruits.
Lovely balance is the key here. Very good/excellent (R70)
Klein Constantia Marlbrook 1999
Really distinctive minerally, earthy fruit here. Classy
blackcurrant fruit on the palate with a nice earthy edge. Very
refined and well balanced – this is not about power, but
balance. Very good/excellent (R74)
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