4.1/5
Klein Constantia Vin de Constance 2023 (50cl)
Original price was: £74.95.£63.95Current price is: £63.95. incl. VAT
One of the most acclaimed releases in the modern history of Vin de Constance: 100 points from Jane Anson and 99 from James Suckling (“A triumph for this South African estate. One of the best ever.”). Lime zest and marmalade on the nose with butterscotch and a baked-cheesecake note; a layered palate of fig preserve, ripe apricot and quince, with a slightly lower sugar level bringing freshness and clarity, and a long finish of nutmeg, vanilla and fine spice. 50cl bottle.
Pre-release allocation: expected to land in the UK December 2026. Order now to secure bottles from our allocation.
“A little Constantia… for its healing powers on a disappointed heart.” – Jane Austen, Sense & Sensibility, 1811
From vineyards first planted in 1685 by Simon van der Stel, the first governor of the Cape, Constantia was savoured by the kings and connoisseurs of 18th- and 19th-century Europe and immortalised in poetry and prose. When the Jooste family bought Klein Constantia in 1980 they set out to recreate this one truly great wine of the southern hemisphere, selecting a Muscat de Frontignan clone believed to descend from the original Cape plantings. The maiden 1986 Vin de Constance was released in 1990 to instant acclaim, and every vintage since has followed suit.
The 2023 vintage. A cool, slow ripening season with an extended harvest window gave a wine of unusual balance and precision. Picking ran from 14 February to 18 April over close to 25 passes through the vineyard, selecting fruit at every stage from fresh ripe berries to naturally raisined grapes. Two weeks of skin contact preceded a slow, natural two-month fermentation. Each component was vinified separately, then matured for 18 months in 500-litre barrels (50% new) of French, Austrian and Hungarian oak, followed by a further year in 4,200-litre French oak foudres.
Tasting note. Pronounced lime zest and marmalade, supported by butterscotch and a subtle baked-cheesecake note. The palate is layered, showing fig preserve, ripe apricot and quince with real depth and definition. A slightly lower sugar level than recent vintages brings clarity, allowing the acidity to carry the fruit. Light nutmeg and exotic spice sit alongside well-integrated oak, with a touch of vanilla and fine wood spice on a long, fresh, controlled finish.
What the critics say:
100/100Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux
“As ever, this is just pure pleasure, and full of grace, apricot puree, intense and concentrated, with the most beautiful balance of citrus, grilled pineapple, truffle, fennel, uplift and joy. Matthew Day winemaker, 90ha estate, 18 months in 50% new 500L Hungarian and French oak barrels, followed by 16 months in large oak casks, 162g/l residual sugar.”
99/100James Suckling
“Concentrated aromas of dried apricots, pineapple, caramel and honey. It’s full-bodied with a dense, intense finish, showing spices, limes, dried fruit and some toffee. Very sweet but balanced and fresh. A triumph for this South African estate. One of the best ever. Drink or hold.”
Analysis. Alc 14.2% | RS 162 g/l | pH 3.7 | TA 5.9 g/l. Capable of ageing for decades. Serve at 12–14°C.
Region: Constantia, Western Cape, South Africa. Grape: Muscat de Frontignan. Format: 50cl.
